A Florida palliative care doctor, Stephen Leedy, has been indicted on multiple counts of child sex abuse, including the alleged production of child sexual abuse material and coercion of minors. Federal prosecutors allege Leedy instructed minors to create sexually explicit images and even directed one to harm herself. Tragically, one girl died after allegedly following Leedy's instructions.
Leedy, 59, was arrested and charged in connection with the exploitation of approximately ten children through online communication using the alias "maximumuncle#9112." Prosecutors detail Leedy's alleged direction for the children to engage in self-harm, specifically "cut, choke, and hang themselves."
The indictment follows the November 2021 death of one victim, who, prosecutors claim, hanged herself in a manner consistent with Leedy's instructions.
Leedy faces potential life imprisonment if convicted on all counts. His legal team has entered a not-guilty plea and intends to defend him vigorously.
The doctor's medical license remains active, according to state records, and there's no record of disciplinary action. However, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where Leedy had staff privileges, clarified that he was not employed by them and held limited consulting privileges that were revoked immediately upon his arrest. His association with Tidwell Hospice, affiliated with Emblem Health, dates back more than a decade, and Tidwell has confirmed his past employment as Chief Medical Officer.
Emblem Health stated that they have had minimal interaction with Leedy since his previous employment concluded. Both Tidwell and Emblem expressed concern regarding the allegations and pledged to uphold their community commitment to providing compassionate care.
