UPDATE: Salinas dentist arrested for child pornography possession pleads not guilty

UPDATE 2/5/2016 3:00 PM: A Salinas dentist arrested for having hundreds of images of child pornography pleaded not guilty to his charges Thursday.

According to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Dr. Gary Klugman’s next appearance is set for Feb. 10 at which time a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.

Dr. Klugman is currently out on bail. The D.A.’s office told KION that it’s expected Dr. Klugman will ask the court to retain his passport for a prearranged trip to Mexico.

ORIGINAL STORY: A Salinas dentist was arrested for having “hundreds” of images of child pornography on his computers, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

The month-long investigation culminated in a search warrant at Dr. Gary Klugman’s home. There, Monterey County detectives found the images.

According to the sheriff’s office, there is no evidence that any of his patient were victims of this crime.

“He is a sedation dentist, which will raise an alarm with some people,” Commander John Thornburg said. “But once again, we have absolutely no indication that a patient was involved in this, in any shape or form.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 831-755-3722.