TAMPA, Fla. — The wife of a local doctor who officials say sexually exploited children online served on the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County.
The United States Attorney with the Middle District of Florida announced the arrest of palliative care doctor Stephen Andrew Leedy, 59, on Monday.
According to federal investigators, Stephen sexually exploited and victimized approximately 10 minors online. Officials said Stephen instructed minors to produce sexually explicit images of themselves and directed them to cut, choke, and hang themselves.
The U.S. Attorney's office said this led to the death of a girl in November 2021. She was found dead in front of her phone in a manner consistent with instructions Stephen had previously given her.
Stephen was arrested on three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity.
His wife, Lynda Leedy, has served as Chief Administrative Officer of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County for the past 10 years. According to the board, Lynda led "key efforts for the organization," including the Children’s Mental Health Initiative, Family Services Initiative, and Turbo Babies, an early childhood public awareness campaign.
“Ms. Leedy is a valued member of JWB’s Executive Leadership Team, where she holds herself and others to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior and possesses impeccable integrity,” said JWB Chief Executive Officer Beth Houghton. “While this news leaves us stunned and saddened for Ms. Leedy, her family, and any potential victims in this case, I have the utmost confidence in her ability to continue to carry out JWB’s mission of strengthening the lives of our county’s children and families.”
If convicted on all counts, Stephen faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
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