Doctor Accused Of Producing Child Porn That Led To Teen Death: DOJ

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A St. Petersburg doctor was arrested on multiple child pornography-related charges, which led to one victim taking her own life, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Dr. Stephen Leedy, 59, was charged with three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, the DOJ said.

He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

Leedy “used the username ‘maximumuncle#9112’ to sexually exploit and victimize about 10 minors online,” the DOJ said. “In online conversations and video chats, he instructed the minors to produce sexually explicit images of themselves, and directed them to cut, choke, and hang themselves.”

In November 2021, one victim, a minor, was found dead after hanging herself in front of her phone in a manner consistent with instructions given to her by Leedy, the DOJ said.

Leedy, a palliative care doctor, is married to Lynda Leedy, who has served as the chief administrative officer for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County for the past 10 years, the organization said in a news release.

While she doesn’t directly work with children in her role, she is required to pass a Level 2 background screening as a condition of her employment. This Level 2 background screening is a comprehensive criminal history check that involves a fingerprint-based search at both the state and national level.

The charges against Dr. Stephen Leedy “came as a complete shock” to everyone at the organization, including his wife, the JWB said.

“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,” Beth Houghton, JWB chief executive officer, said in a statement provided by the organization. “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.”

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm or suicide, there are resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 800-273-8255. The Crisis Text Line can provide support through text messages by texting "HOME" to 741741.