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Jan 13, 2006 9:11 pm US/Central
Testimony Ends In McLeod Trial
by Darcy Pohland
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
Testimony has ended in the sexual abuse trial of Dr. James McLeod.
McLeod is accused of sexually abusing a teenage patient. He defended his trusted reputation on the witness stand again Friday, in front of dozens of supporters.
"He's finally had his day in court and that's what they've been waiting for for over two years," said Greta Mason, who supports McLeod.
"I think we felt all along that when Jim had the chance to state the facts that his innocence would be established and I think he did that today," said Carolyn Bladus, who also supports McLeod.
McLeod described his teenage accuser as a troubled patient. McLeod testified that two years ago, he arranged an emergency meeting with the boy and his family at the clinic.
The 15-year-old's mother requested the conference after she found the boy made up like a girl and dressed in girl's clothes and underwear.
The doctor said she complained of on-going problems with her son's dishonesty, lying and weight gain.
McLeod testified he felt sorry for the boy and did what he could to make him feel better.
On cross examination, the prosecutor pointed out a therapist's report which suggested the accuser's mother may have been exaggerating her son's behavior.
Because of the Monday holiday, the judge in the case decided to postpone closing arguments until Tuesday. After that, the case goes to the jury.
McLeod voluntarily suspended his practice two years ago when the sex abuse charges were filed against him. Supporters want to see him practicing again.
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