An Ohio doctor indicted on charges of soliciting sex from a 16-year-old girl last year killed himself rather than face trial for his crimes.
Now, the case against Francis J. Kearse III, 43, will be dismissed, WXIX reports.
Kearse, who had been listed as an emergency medicine provider with Baptist Health before his name was removed, had been due in court for an arraignment early Tuesday morning.
In Hamilton County, he was charged with compelling prostitution, compelling prostitution involving a minor, trafficking in persons, and importuning. He was also facing charges in Butler County, and those charges will also be dismissed.
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.
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[Featured image: Francis Kearse III/Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office]