A palliative care doctor in #Florida is facing federal charges for allegedly directing children to harm themselves during video chats, an act that prosecutors say caused at least one child’s death. 

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Dr. Stephen Leedy instructed minors to engage in self-harm, including choking, cutting, and hanging themselves, while he watched remotely via video calls, Law & Crime reports.

Court filings describe a pattern of predatory behavior in which the doctor coerced vulnerable children into harming themselves, often instructing them to “go get the belt” or perform other acts of self-harm. 

The DOJ alleges that Leedy’s actions directly resulted in the death of one child, whose identity is being withheld due to their age.

“These allegations are as horrific as they are tragic,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “We will hold anyone who preys on the vulnerable accountable, especially when their actions result in irreversible harm.”

Authorities claim the doctor exploited his position of trust and professional authority to manipulate children online. Using his credibility as a healthcare provider, Leedy gained access to vulnerable minors across multiple states. Officials say the victims were as young as 12 years old, and his actions spanned months, if not years.

In one documented case, the doctor allegedly stayed on a video call while a child followed his explicit instructions for self-harm, resulting in their death. 

The child’s family has expressed devastation and called for justice, saying they feel betrayed by someone they thought could be trusted to help others, according to reports.

Federal charges against Leedy include solicitation to commit self-harm resulting in death and exploitation of minors. If convicted, he could face life in prison. 

Several organizations have called for stricter oversight of online interactions and greater vigilance by parents in monitoring their children’s digital lives.

#Clique, this is just sick.