Federal prosecutors stated in court documents that a Florida doctor sexually exploited ten minors, including at least three young girls, and instructed them to harm themselves while he watched online.
Stephen Leedy, 59, is facing accusations of coaching at least one of his victims to her death. The victim, identified as a 13-year-old, was found “hanging from the shower head with a dog leash around her neck,” according to Department of Justice prosecutors.
An indictment issued on December 26 outlined the charges against him, which include three counts of producing child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to participate in sexual activity.
“According to the indictment and court filings, Leedy, a palliative care physician in the Tampa Bay area, used the username ‘maximumuncle#9112’ to sexually exploit and target approximately ten minors online,” DOJ officials stated in a press release on Monday.
“During online chats and video calls, Leedy instructed the minors to create sexually explicit images of themselves and directed them to cut, choke, and hang themselves. In November 2021, Minor Victim 1 was found dead, having hanged herself in front of her phone in a manner consistent with the instructions Leedy had previously given her.”
The Miami Herald reports that as of January 7, Florida Department of Health records show that Leedy’s medical license remains active in the state. The records also indicate he has no disciplinary actions or public complaints against him.
According to WFLA, FDH records indicated he has been practicing medicine in the state since January 1991, focusing on hospice and palliative care. The alleged victims were unaware of his identity and profession.
If convicted on all counts against him, Leedy could served life in federal prison.
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[Feature Photo: Dr. Stephen Leedy/ Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association]
