It is many Minneapolis residents’ worst nightmares to be accused of a crime and not have any witnesses to back them up. Imagine being arrested and charged with sexual assault by someone; the first thing to do would be to find people who could say that you are innocent. But, what if you were alone with the accuser and that is when he or she said you committed the assault? What do you do when it is just your word against the accuser’s? Unfortunately, that is the situation that a former Mankato Clinic doctor is now facing.
It goes without saying that sexual assault is a serious crime, and that is why it is best to establish an alibi or find a witness that can confirm you did not commit the crime with which prosecutors are charging you. But, for this doctor, the alleged sexual assaults happened while he was examining his patients, a time when he was alone behind closed doors with the two women.
The doctor’s attorney has said that he was merely acting as a good doctor, but Blue Earth County prosecutors have alleged him of taking advantage of the women. Now, he is standing trial for two gross misdemeanor and two felony charges. What remains to be seen, however, is what evidence the women can present that will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he did what they say he did.
Trying to defend against a crime, especially one as grave as sexual assault, is frightening. Attempting to prove that you are innocent requires the skill and experience of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. Going about this without legal assistance could lead an individual to a long prison sentence and a harsh fine.
Source: KSTP Eyewitness News, “Eye Doctor Accused of Sexually Assaulting Patients,” Jennie Olson, Jan. 9, 2013
