World-renowned geneticist convicted of molestation

Now Anderson, convicted Wednesday of molesting the young daughter of a colleague, must undergo a psychiatric evaluation before his sentencing in November.

Photo: World-renowned geneticist convicted of molestation

Though Anderson's lawyer argued the scientist should stay free to continue his important work, Superior Court Judge Michael E. Pastor ordered Anderson jailed. The scientist, who faces a maximum of 22 years in prison, had been free on bond during the trial, according to the AP.

Although the judge said he was impressed with Anderson's demeanor during the trial, he said he was not comfortable allowing the scientist to remain free. Among other things, he cited an e-mail Anderson wrote to the victim suggesting he might commit suicide if the allegations became public and saying he had bought a gun and ammunition.

He said the e-mail was evidence that Anderson did not have great social skills: "Nothing about having a 176 IQ means you have good judgment," Tarlow said.

Prosecutors said Anderson molested the girl from 1997 to 2001, and that the abuse began during Saturday morning tae kwon do lessons at his home in San Marino, a wealthy suburb east of Los Angeles.

Tarlow had argued during the three-week trial that his client was a kindly mentor to the girl and was being smeared by her mother, whom he said wanted to assume Anderson's position at the University of Southern California, or USC.

On Wednesday, a jury convicted Anderson of one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under age 14 and three counts of committing a lewd act upon a child. Tarlow vowed to appeal the verdicts "to the highest court in the land. We will not rest until justice is done."