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In a tragic turn of events, an Ohio doctor, Francis J. Kearse III, chose to end his life rather than confront the serious legal charges against him. Kearse, aged 43, was facing accusations related to soliciting sex from a 16-year-old girl last year. With his death, the legal proceedings have come to an abrupt halt, leading to the dismissal of the case.
Originally scheduled for an arraignment on Tuesday morning, Kearse’s absence was instead marked by the grim news of his suicide. Prior to these allegations, he had been associated with Baptist Health as an emergency medicine provider, though his name has since been removed from their listings.
In Hamilton County, Kearse faced multiple charges, including compelling prostitution, compelling prostitution involving a minor, trafficking in persons, and importuning. Furthermore, he was also facing legal challenges in Butler County, which will similarly be dismissed in light of his passing.
Reflecting on the unexpected conclusion to the case, Judge Christopher McDowell remarked in court, “Kearse escaped justice the hard way,” underscoring the somber nature of the situation.
Kearse “escaped justice the hard way,” Judge Christopher McDowell said in court on Tuesday.
The indictment against Kearse says that he began communicating with the 16-year-old via Snapchat last year and gave her gift cards before telling her he needed “some kinda payback.” The two met on October 19, and he gave her two vape pens and $15 in exchange for sex.
Kearse was arrested on March 11, and the judge released him on his own recognizance. He shot himself to death on Friday.
His medical license remained active after his arrest, although he was clearly removed from his job with Baptist Health. Local media apparently didn’t contact them or get an answer if they did.
A US News & World Report directory said he also had emergency medicine privileges at Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Indiana.