FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 23, 2003

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Genene Morris (973) 504-6327

NEWARK– The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners on Monday temporarily suspended the license of a Gloucester County physician pending the outcome of criminal charges and further order of the Board, Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos announced today.

The order of temporary suspension comes in response to the July 9 arrest of Michael C. LaFon, M.D., on charges of two counts of criminal sexual conduct and one count of lewdness while seeing patients.

LaFon, a general practitioner, practiced for Wenonah Medical Associates and had admitting privileges at the Underwood-Memorial Hospital in Woodbury. He has been a licensed physician in New Jersey since 1984.

"Dr. LaFon’s alleged activities show a blatant lack of respect for his patients, for the rules of medical practice, and for the law," Attorney General Harvey said. "We have imposed this temporary suspension to protect the public health, safety, and welfare until a final judgment is reached on the charges against him."

"Protection of anyone seeking the care of a doctor is of utmost importance," Erdos said. "It is essential that medical professionals maintain the highest standards of ethics and morality. The alleged actions of inappropriate sexual contact and prurient behavior on the part of Dr. LaFon are an abuse of the doctor-patient relationship, which damages the profession as a whole, and will not be tolerated."

Under the terms of the temporary suspension agreement, Dr. LaFon shall immediately cease the practice of medicine and shall surrender his original license and current biennial registration to the State while his case is under review by the Medical Board. He shall not prescribe or dispense medicines or any Controlled Dangerous Substances and shall immediately advise the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration that he has returned his original CDS registration to the Medical Board.

This matter continues under active investigation by the Board of Medical Examiners. Deputy Attorney General Megan Matthews of the Division of Law is handling this matter for the State. Dr. LaFon admits no wrongdoing.

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