ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s second-highest court has reversed the conviction of a former Hagerstown dentist for child sex solicitation.
The Court of Special Appeals ruled Friday that although Vaqar Choudry did try to solicit a 12-year-old girl for sex, it was not a crime because the solicitation was made through a civilian police informant. A 2004 state law makes it illegal to solicit a minor directly or through a police officer posing as a child.
The appellate court sent the case back to Washington County Circuit Court for further proceeding.
The Washington County State’s Attorney’s office did not immediately respond to a phone call and email from The Associated Press.
The 46-year-old dentist was convicted and sentenced to two years’ probation in 2015.
His state dentistry license was suspended in 2013.
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