Molestation suspect told not to contact ex-patients

A noted child psychiatrist was ordered Wednesday not to contact dozens of former patients he allegedly molested and was barred from practicing medicine as prosecutors said they planned to file more charges against him.

Dr. William Ayres, 75, the former head of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, was told not to contact at least 30 suspected victims, including some whose allegations fall outside the statute of limitations. Ayres is charged with 14 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. He allegedly fondled three boys repeatedly between 1991 and 1996 while they were his patients. He has not entered a plea and remains free on $250,000 bail.

San Mateo County prosecutor Melissa McKowan said she would file charges involving additional victims today in an amended complaint, but she declined to give details.