Feb 23, 2006 1:04 pm US/Central
McLeod's Remaining Abuse Charge Dismissed
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
The state has dismissed the remaining molestation charge against prominent pediatrician James D. McLeod, according to court documents.
McLeod, 62, was charged in March 2004 with three counts of criminal sexual conduct against two teenage male patients.
The St. Louis Park, Minn. pediatrician was tried and acquitted last month on the first two counts, which alleged he abused a male patient on eight different occasions, when the patient was between the ages of 13 and 15.
McLeod maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
The remaining criminal charge involved a 15-year-old patient whose mother filed a complaint against McLeod in 2001.
The state dismissed the count after taking into account McLeod's acquittal, discussion with the second patient and other mitigating factors, prosecuting attorney Paul L. Young said in a court document signed Wednesday.
Young recommended the case would be "best resolved by potential administrative and civil remedies provided by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice," the document said.
McLeod voluntarily suspended his practice two years ago when the sex abuse charges were filed against him. He spent his entire career with Pediatric Services and often made Mpls.-St. Paul Magazine's list of top doctors.
McLeod has said he plans to ask the medical board to reinstate him.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
