HAMILTON, Ohio -- The question for Ohio jurors is whether a pediatrician is a serial child molester who bribed his alleged victims to keep them quiet, or is an innocent victim of extortion.
Deliberations began Thursday at the trial of 53-year-old Mark Blankenburg, who's charged with 41 counts involving sex, drugs, bribery, money laundering and compelling prostitution.
His twin brother, Dr. Scott Blankenburg, faces similar charges with no drug counts and is scheduled for trial in April. Both have pleaded not guilty.
In Wednesday's closing arguments, prosecutors in Hamilton in southwest Ohio said Mark Blankenburg committed crimes driven by a sexual appetite for teenage boys.
The defense said Blankenburg's accusers are liars who extorted money and drugs from the doctor.
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