Florida doctor charged for encouraging minors to 'cut, choke and hang themselves,' leading to 13-year-old's death

A Florida doctor faces federal charges related to child sexual exploitation, including allegations that he encouraged young girls to self-harm, leading to the death of a 13-year-old, New York Post reports.

Stephen Andrew Leedy, 59, allegedly used the online username “maximumuncle#9112” to communicate with around 10 children.

Prosecutors say Leedy convinced the minors to send him explicit photos and videos of themselves and engage in self-harm, including to “cut, choke and hang themselves”

The 13-year-old victim was discovered dead in her bathroom in November 2021, with her phone positioned in front of her, reportedly showing conversations with Leedy. Court documents state that a search of the teen’s phone revealed sexually charged chats where Leedy encouraged her self-harming behavior.

“The weight of evidence against Leedy is extremely strong,” the filings state. “Leedy very clearly engaged in this precatory behavior with approximately 10 minors across the country. He had absolutely no disregard for their safety and took advantage of children more than half his age to gratify himself.”

Leedy, a palliative care physician licensed in Florida since 1991, is married to Lynda Leedy, who serves on Pinellas County’s Juvenile Welfare Board.

“Ms. Leedy is a valued member of JWB’s Executive Leadership Team, where she holds herself and others to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior and possesses impeccable integrity,” JWB CEO Beth Houghton said in a statement. “While this news leaves us stunned and saddened for Ms. Leedy, her family, and any potential victims in this case, I have the utmost confidence in her ability to continue to carry out JWB’s mission of strengthening the lives of our county’s children and families.”

Leedy faces multiple charges, including production of child sexual abuse material and coercion of a minor. He could receive a life sentence if convicted.