Identical Twin Doctors in Related Pedophilia Cases Get Separate Trials
In a criminal case that sounds like a law school exam hypothetical, two identical twin pediatricians in Ohio are both accused of having sex with underage males, including some patients, and are expected to go to trial at roughly the same time.
But the 53-year-old physicians will be tried separately, the judge in their Butler County case has ruled, because they look so much alike that the jury might otherwise be confused, reports ABC News.
“It’s very rare. I know of no other case where … not just identical twins, but brothers, professionals have been charged with crimes of this nature,” says Stephen Holmes. He is an associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at the University of Central Florida.
Mark Blankenburg is facing 41 charges in the pedophilia case while Scott Blankenburg is facing 22. Both men maintain their innocence.
Related earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Identical Twin Escapes Gallows in Real-Life Prisoner’s Dilemma”
