HAMILTON, Ohio, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- A judge in Butler County, Ohio, said pediatrician Dr. Mark Blankenburg will spend at least 21 years in prison for his drug and sex crimes.
The Cincinnati Enquirer said Friday that in addition to sentencing Blankenburg to between 21 and 27 years in prison, Butler County Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth ordered the pediatrician to pay $27,000 in fines for his 22 crimes.
Blankenburg was convicted of obtaining sex from a number of his patients in return for money or narcotics.
Assistant Prosecutor Lance Salyers said the illegal activities took place during a period of 20 to 30 years.
The Enquirer said Blankenburg's twin brother, Scott, is also facing similar allegations. The suspect, who is also a pediatrician, is currently free on bond until his trial in April.
Forensic psychologist Bobbie Hopes, who held interviews with Blankenburg, said the pediatrician's emotional maturity appears stunted despite his intellect.
"His own sexual and emotional maturity does not appear to have progressed past adolescence, despite his superior intellect and professional success," Hopes offered in a report.
