Jan 26, 2006 7:58 pm US/Central
Dentist In Court To Face Prostitution Charges
by Mike Parker
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
A Chicago dentist was in court Thursday fighting accusations that are spicy enough to make your teeth rattle.
Apparently, Dr. Gary Kimmel is not rattled by federal prosecutors, who charge that he was padding his pockets in a prostitution scheme.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports on the denials and the attorney who can't figure out what the big deal is.
There was a minor mob scene at the federal courthouse as Chicago dentist Gary Kimmel and his wife were surrounded by reporters and photographers.
"Why this case has garnered so much publicity is beyond me, but I guess it's an interesting and salacious story and its a juicy allegation," said defense attorney Joe Lopez.
The FBI is accusing Kimmel of providing Marina City condos and a fleet of expensive cars for an interstate prostitution ring.
Prosecutors also say Kimmel used his Streeterville office to provide dental care for prostitutes working for the operation.
In court Thursday, the judge released the dentist on an unsecured $100,000 bond after the dentist pled not guilty to all the charges.
"If it was going on, it was without his knowledge, without his consent and it was behind his back," Lopez said.
Kimmel has not been working at his office since he was charged. A receptionist said was taking time off for conferences and meetings he's attending.
The defense lawyer concedes that secretly recorded FBI audio tapes may be a problem for Kimmel. In one of them, the dentist seems to endorse an alleged pimp's plan to injure one of his hookers.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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