Gynecologist released from jail

PARAGOULD - A Paragould gynecologist charged with photographing a woman during an examination without her consent was released from the Greene County jail after paying a $50,000 bond, 2nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington said Friday.

Paul Becton, 68, was arrested Wednesday evening at a Newport motel on five counts of video voyeurism.

Greene County District Judge Dan Stidham set Becton’s bail at $500,000 during a hearing Thursday. Becton was released from the jail Thursday evening after he paid 10 percent of the bond through a Paragould bondsman, Ellington said.

The state Medical Board issued an emergency order of suspension Friday afternoon on Becton’s medical license.

According to the board’s website, Becton first received his medical license on March 30, 1980, and his license was up for renewal July 31. His license status as of Friday evening was listedas “inactive.”

Becton is accused of photographing a woman at the Becton Women’s Clinic in Paragould on April 1. The woman, who has filed a civil lawsuit against Becton, said she saw in the reflection of a glass frame that Becton was taking pictures of her when she was undressed for a gynecological examination. She said in her lawsuit that when she turned around, Becton hurriedly put a cellphone in the pocket of his scrubs.

Ellington sought a warrant for Becton’s arrest on April 10. U.S. marshals located Becton in Newport through “pings,” or signals sent when he used a cellphone.

During a hearing Thursday in Paragould, Becton’s attorney, Curtis Hitt of Paragould, argued that Becton should be released without bail. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Adam Butler said he feared Becton could be a flight risk and asked for the bond.

Ellington said Friday that Becton is required to stay in the area, and Stidham took Becton’s passport from him.

Northwest Arkansas, Pages 16 on 04/19/2014

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