- October 31, 2024
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Florence Fruehan, 59 and a former local doctor, pleaded no contest on Friday afternoon, Aug. 16, to a charge of battery on a person 65 or older, a third-degree felony.
He was sentenced by Circuit Judge Terence Perkins to 24 months of probation and is required to have a mental health evaluation, no contact with any victims, and may never again work in any capacity in the medical field.
The charges stem from past patients of Fruehan’s reporting to law enforcement that the doctor had touched them inappropriately during office visits, and that the touching happened without the consent of the victim, and without serving any legitimate medical purpose.
“Our detectives have done a great job working this case and working with the State Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victims,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I hope the victims see this as a positive outcome and find peace knowing that he will never practice medicine again.”
Fruehan was facing two counts of battery on a woman 65 or older, along with a misdemeanor charge of battery.
The plea agreement drops the additional felony and misdemeanor charges. If the terms of his probation are successfully met, Fruehan's probation may end at the halfway point, or after 12 months.
