A local doctor accused of molesting patients was sentenced to spend more than a decade in prison.
Dr. Norman Williams, a gastroenterologist who practiced in Moline, Illinois, was convicted in September 2014 of molesting four female patients during examinations in his office.
Williams was sentenced on three of the four counts at a hearing Tuesday, March 17, 2015. He was ordered to serve 12 years in prison, and state law requires him to serve at least 85% of the sentence. Williams was 68 years old at the time he was sentenced.
Because of an error in jury instruction, the judge granted a retrial in connection with the fourth count. The court planned to first contact the victim before deciding whether to proceed with a retrial. Williams also appealed the conviction.
"The error was involving a jury instruction that was given to the jury during the trial.," said McGehee. "The defense was arguing that the wrong instruction was given to the jury, and due to the wrong instruction he claims that [Williams] should get new trial."
Williams also made a statement in court on Tuesday, continuing his argument of innocence.
"I have been practicing for over 30 years and I've always practiced at a high standard," said Williams. "I do not abuse female patients, I am not guilty of these crimes."
Decisions on the retrial and on the appeal were expected to be made within 30 days. Williams was expected to remain held in the Rock Island County Jail until then.