A Florida doctor forced girls to send sexually explicit photos and encouraged them to “cut, strangle or hang themselves,” leading to the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy. Federal prosecutors announced that he has been indicted.
Stephen Andrew Reedy, 59, a married palliative care doctor from St. Petersburg, used the username “maximumuncle#9112” to prey on approximately 10 children in a sickening alleged crime spree spanning several years. He has been charged with allegedly committing a crime. The Department of Justice announced on Monday..
In various online conversations and video chats, the doctor, whose wife is the leader of a child welfare organization, encouraged young people to self-harm while sending lewd photos of themselves, according to court filings. He is said to have persuaded him to do so.
One of the victims, a 13-year-old girl, was found dead in the bathroom of her home after hanging herself in November 2021, prosecutors said.
Court documents say the girl's cell phone was found propped up in the bathtub in front of her.
A search of her cell phone later revealed sexually explicit chats with Reedy in which he convinced her to hang herself “every day,” prosecutors allege.
“The weight of the evidence against Reedy is extremely strong,” the filing states. “Reedy clearly engaged in such preemption against approximately 10 minors across the country.
“He had total disregard for the safety of his children and was exploiting children more than half his age for his own gratification.”
Reedy has been practicing medicine in the Sunshine State since 1991, according to Florida Department of Health records.
We specialize in palliative care and hospice care.
The suspect's wife, Linda Reedy, has served on the Pinellas County Juvenile Services Commission for the past 10 years, overseeing child mental health efforts. ABC Action News reported.
“MS. Reedy is a valued member of JWB's executive leadership team, adheres to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct towards himself and others, and has impeccable integrity.” ” JWB CEO Beth Horton said in a statement.
“While this news shocks and saddens us both for Ms. Reedy, her family, and the potential victims of this incident, I am grateful for her commitment to JWB's commitment to strengthening the lives of our county's children and families. We have the utmost confidence in our ability to continue fulfilling our mission.”
Reedy has been charged with numerous charges, including producing child sexual abuse material and coercing or enticing a minor to perform sexual acts.
If convicted on all charges, he could face up to life in federal prison.
