Haim was set to make his first court appearance on Monday afternoon, the attorney’s office said. The doctor allegedly “obtained personal information including patient names, treatment codes, and the attending physician” from the Texas children’s hospital without authorization.
He “allegedly obtained this information under false pretenses and with intent to cause malicious harm to TCH,” the press release said.
If convicted, Haim “faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine,” the government said.
Texas has in recent years been at the forefront of the ongoing cultural and legal fight over transgender issues. The Biden administration in 2022 condemned the state policy whereby parents who facilitate “gender transition” medical treatments for children can be investigated for child abuse.
Gov. Greg Abbott in February of that year directed Texas Family and Protective Services to investigate certain procedures performed on children, including castration and hysterectomy, as well as puberty blockers and hormone treatments, as possible instances of child abuse.
Earlier this month, Paxton announced that the state had “won a major victory” against the Biden administration over the White House’s attempt to rewrite federal Title IX law to include transgender protections.
