Man Convicted of Stalking Abortion Doctor
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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — A man accused of threatening an abortion doctor and his family was convicted Friday of stalking.
Alan M. Smith, 41, faces similar allegations in a lawsuit the U.S. Justice Department filed under the Federal Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Dr. Gerald Applegate of Wexford, Pa., asserted that Smith ran him off the road, cursed him, sent him nasty letters, demonstrated outside his home and offices, and threatened him and his family.
Municipal Judge Patrick Kerrigan sentenced Smith to the maximum six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, then suspended four months of the jail sentence and half the fine. Smith was also sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. The sentence was delayed pending appeal; Smith remains free on bail.
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