Jan 13, 2006 10:45 am US/Central
Pediatrician Testifies In His Sexual Abuse Trial
by Darcy Pohland
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
A well-known local pediatrician took the stand Thursday in his trial where he is accused of sexually abusing a teenage patient.
Dr. James McLeod took the stand, in a courtroom filled with his supporters. So many people wanted to hear the pediatrician's testimony, the judge had to move the trial to a larger courtroom.
People heard a knowledgeable physician emphatically deny the charges.
"When they first asked him the questions about the allegations about the first visit, I started to cry, because, just like the look of hurt in his eyes," said Catherine Lavin, a patient of McLeod's.
Family members, friends and other patients were equally emotional when they heard McLeod respond to questions about the teenage patient accusing him of molestation.
Defense attorney Bill Mauzy asked, "Did you perform oral sex on him?"
McLeod replied, "No, I absolutely did not."
"Did you masturbate him?" Mauzy asked.
"No, I did not," McLeod replied.
It was a response the pediatrician repeated 16 times Thursday, as he recalled visits the accuser had with him at his clinic.
"His mom was in the room," said Steve Thomas, who knows the accuser. "I think he even mentioned, so I think that these are just clearly nothing, you know, these accusations."
The one occasion when the then-14-year-old's mother was not in the room, the doctor testified the teen told him, "I've been having gay thoughts and dreams. Is that normal?"
McLeod said the teen also told him, "I'm interested in meeting other gay teens."
Two of the teenagers in court today said they know the accuser and don't believe his story. They said he is lying.
"I hope the truth comes out and Dr. McLeod can get back to practicing or doing whatever he needs to do," Lavin said.
McLeod is expected to finish his testimony Friday. The case could go to the jury Friday afternoon.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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