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Sex Assault Suspect Skips Court

Be On The Lookout!

All Points Bulletin: Fugitive Abortionist Dr. Rodolfo Finkelstein May Be Headed For Argentina. Arrest Warrant Issued Tuesday

Bloomfield Twp. doctor is accused of sexually assaulting patients following abortions.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP -- A physician accused of sexually assaulting his female patients after they had undergone abortions is on the run and investigators fear he may be headed back to his native Argentina.

Dr. Rodolfo Finkelstein was scheduled to appear in the 48th District Court on Tuesday for a preliminary examination on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and five counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

He never showed up, said Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor Barbara Morrison.

"We don't know his whereabouts. He is considered a fugitive. We are very much concerned he is gone and out of the country," Morrison said.

Three women told investigators that Finkelstein sexually assaulted them during their visits to his clinic, the Women's Advisory Center on Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Township, in 2003 and 2004.

At the start of the preliminary examination on Feb. 25, one victim testified that Finkelstein assaulted her once after the abortion procedure and again during the post-operative visit.

Two other women allege they were groped before the procedure and again during their post-abortion exams and that Finkelstein tried to kiss them. One of those women testified at the hearing but the other has fled and is not cooperating with investigators.

The victims' ages range from 17 to 21.

Morrison said police in Wayne County are investigating similar complaints against Finkelstein made by female patients who received abortions at his Livonia clinic.

Finkelstein, 55, is married with children and lives in Bloomfield Township. He surrendered his U.S. passport at his arraignment, but Morrison said she was unsure whether he had an Argentinian passport as well.

Defense attorney Mitch Ribitwer was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

Bloomfield District Judge Kimberly Small forfeited Finkelstein's bond and issued a warrant for his arrest on Tuesday.

Morrison said Finkelstein knew that she was going to ask Small to revoke his bond.

On Monday, Morrison said will ask Small to order Finkelstein to stand trial on the seven charges in Oakland Circuit Court, whether he is present in court or not. Small will have to decide whether the third victim's statement can be admitted in court or whether charges in that case must be dismissed.

Anyone with information on Finkelstein's whereabouts is asked to call Bloomfield Township police at (248) 433-7760.


http://www.detnews.com/2005/o
akland/0503/10/C04-112999.htm

Posted by Editor at March 10, 2005 08:59 AM