Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General

Division of Consumer Affairs
Reni Erdos, Director

For Immediate Release:
January 6, 2004

For Further Information Contact:
Jeff Lamm, Genene Morris
973-504-6327

NEWARK - The State Board of Medical Examiners has revoked the medical license of Dr. Michael C. LaFon after the Gloucester County physician pled guilty last month to three counts of criminal sexual contact in the fourth degree, Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Division of Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos said.

The Board of Medical Examiners also ordered LaFon to pay $18,406 to cover the cost of its investigation.

LaFon, whose license was temporarily suspended in July after charges were filed, agreed to voluntarily surrender his license during court proceedings last month. The Board of Medical Examiners considers the surrender to be a revocation.

"Dr. LaFon broke the trust placed in him by his patients and the Board's actions ensure that he can no longer put other patients at risk," Attorney General Harvey said. "He committed grievous crimes against those he was supposed to aid."

"Patients expect their doctors to adhere to professional standards of conduct, and they deserve no less," said Edward M. Neafsey, First Assistant Attorney General. "When those standards are disregarded, and laws violated, we will act swiftly and forcefully to protect the health and well-being of patients and punish offenders as we did in this case."

"LaFon's actions leave no doubt that he is unfit to hold a medical license," Director Erdos added.

Deputy Attorney General Megan K. Matthews of the Division of Law handled this matter for the State.