Veteran Ann Arbor pediatrician accused of window peeping
See updated story: Ann Arbor pediatrician accused of window peeping takes leave of absence
A veteran Ann Arbor pediatrician is accused of going to a 12-year-old girl's home in Ann Arbor on four occasions and looking through a window, watching as she changed her clothing.
Dr. Howard Bruce Weinblatt, 65, who works at IHA Child Health - Ann Arbor, is charged with four counts of surveilling an unclothed person and two counts of window peeping.
He was arraigned Nov. 23 in front of Magistrate Camille Horne and released on a promise to appear in court.
Weinblatt
Reached by phone this afternoon, Weinblatt declined comment, referring questions to his attorney, Laurence Margolis. Margolis also declined comment. A woman who works at IHA Child Health - Ann Arbor on East Eisenhower Parkway said this afternoon that Weinblatt is employed there and she was unaware of the charges.
Ann Arbor police Lt. Mark St. Amour said Weinblatt went to the girl's home near Burns Park Elementary School on four occasions between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31 and looked through a window, watching as she changed her clothing.
An adult saw Weinblatt on all four occasions, St. Amour said, and ultimately reported the incidents to police. St. Amour declined to say what accounted for any delay in reporting the incidents.
Officers executed a search warrant at Weinblatt's home on Olivia Avenue in Ann Arbor on Nov. 22 and arrested him, seizing a number of items, St. Amour said. Police declined to specify what was seized. St. Amour said investigators have no reason to believe there are other victims.
Washtenaw County Jail officials said Weinblatt was booked at the jail at 12:30 a.m. Nov. 22 and released the next day at 5:18 p.m.
Weinblatt has had a license to practice medicine in the state for more than 34 years, according to the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. He has no record of disciplinary action. He also has no prior arrests, court records show.
In addition to working for IHA - Child Health Ann Arbor, Weinblatt has worked as an adjunct clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and communicable diseases at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Magistrate Horne ordered that Weinblatt have no contact with the victim or the victim's family and that he not use alcohol or drugs.
Court documents show Ann Arbor police asked Horne to set bond at $50,000, noting that the victim is a minor and that Weinblatt's position gives him access to minors.
Weinblatt is scheduled to return to court Nov. 30 for a preliminary hearing. Surveilling an unclothed person is a felony, punishable upon conviction by up to two years in prison.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Kelly Overend
Fri, Dec 2, 2011 : 4:49 a.m.
This article needs to be amended to state the facts. The accusations printed are false . According to recent information, there was no peeping in this young lady's window on or about her property. He was looking out HIS OWN WINDOW . Dr. Weinblatt is my son's physician. If a new baby is born in Ann Arbor, guess how many people will recommend this doctor as a pediatrician. He has always shown utmost respect for my son. He has also supported us through difficult times since his birth . I fail to see , as another poster commented, how/why a gentlemen of his character and caliber would behave in a manner as such is suggested. He has spent almost 35 years as a trusted doctor, voted as top 100 in se Michiganon numerous occasions. This case reeks . Finally, I live in a two story house. I look out of my window countless times a day. Many times with binoculars, as we are avid bird watchers . So, if someone walks by and sees me looking out my window at the same time that oerson witnesses another person undressing in a window ... Who is the real peeping tom. I'm anxious to discover- who is this "witness " ?
jenny
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
Would we even put this man on the news? This doctor seen my daughter before but I don't think he would actually go to a girls house and peek through her window. Some people are sick in the head, if you just sit down and suddenly start day dreaming and you really don't know what you're looking at and it ends up being a child or woman you're staring at; you would probably be on the sex offender list and in jail the next hour. They should've deffenetly kept this case private till they ACTUALLY knew the truth. If he wanted to do something, he would've done it a long time ago. The media just loves getting people's attention. I could call the police and tell them my neighbor keeps peeking at me when really It would be a lie and that person can get arrested. So the media really needs to know their limits!
a2chrisp
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
I made a comment last night when I read this article. I am as surprised by this accusation as most people are. But the following thought occurred to me today. There are many good people in this world. There are many bad people in this world. Good people do very bad things, and sometimes, bad people do good things. My point is that Howard Weinblatt may be a very good person otherwise and may have done many good things for his patients and this could still be completely 100% true. Just because you do good things doesn't mean you don't do bad things. Dr. Weinblatt was my doctor for over 18 years, and was the doctor for both of my brothers, and many other people I know. It doesn't mean that because we never noticed anything weird that nothing weird ever happened to others.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
"Seen on 4 occasions, police seized..." This looks bad. Of course, details should become available as the trial proceeds. Such (proven) cases are disturbing and puzzling at the same time. I think we're all stymied when someone who is in a position of responsibility is found to have committed this kind of crime - it violates not only the law but our sense of propriety and security. I've been a patient with IHA of Ann Arbor for many years and my physician is first rate. I do hope, whatever the outcome of this case, that IHA is not automatically associated with it.
Wondering
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.
I agree completely with the various posters who do not believe that 65 is old and who are outraged by the assumption that it is reasonable to attribute the alleged aberrant behavior to "memory loss." This IS my field, and we do not know nearly as much as we think we know about "memory loss." We have as a society put "older" adults into the dementia bin far too easily when there are other MYRIAD and MUCH more likely possible causes of the disruptions in functioning that we have chosen to label "memory loss"--causes such as major psychological trauma (including major life changes such as retirement/death/divorce/institutional living or chronic physical/psychological abuse), co-morbid diseases, prescription medications and interactions among prescription medications, abuse of alcohol and other drugs/addictive substances and behaviors, etc etc etc. It should also be noted that the age at which a person finds themselves categorized as "older" often depends on the age of the person doing the categorizing. If it is not OK to say that such aberrant behavior is caused by a person's gender, race, religion, etc , it is certainly NOT OK to attribute such behavior to a person's age. Whatever the age of a person engaging in the alleged aberrant behavior, there is a physical/psychological cause of such behavior that needs to be understood and addressed. AND I also agree with those who have found Dr. Weinblatt to be a kind competent caring pediatrician for their children. AA.com should report the story and we in the community should reserve judgment until all the facts are known. Everyone is innocent until proven guilt......and we should respect Dr. Weinblatt's very long history of service in the community and insist that he be accorded that right.
Caroline Brewster
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
I find this crazy!!! Doctor Weinblatt was my sons doctor from birth thru 18 and was never anything but professional and kind. He actually saved my sons life and I do not believe that this story is true or makes any sense.We should not rush to judgemen until he has his day in court and the facts come out. Why would an adout watch something like this and wait to say something? Something is not right about this. I support Dr. Weinblatt and believe when the facts come out, he will be found not guilty but what damage will be done to his reputation?
Lee Higgins
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
IHA Child Health - Ann Arbor released a statement today: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/dr-howard-weinblatt-window-peeping-iha/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/dr-howard-weinblatt-window-peeping-iha/</a>
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
Mr. Dearing, that is my point exactly. You are reporting what you know thus far, but at this point it is circumstantial. Others are reporting that they know to be factual accounts of their personal encounters. When it comes to blogging, isn't it fair game to give your viewpoint. That's all I am asking.
justcurious
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
Just because this man was a good doctor and people liked him does not mean that he is not guilty. I would venture to guess that most people who are charged with a crime (especially one like this) would elicit responses of disbelief from someone. This man just happens to have been someone who interacted with a lot of people in this town. He should not receive special treatment in the media or in the courts. If he is innocent, then hopefully that will be brought out. I do however feel that annarbor.com should not be removing posts from people who had less than happy interactions with him. That shows a bias in my opinion.
Adrienne
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
We know Howard and sincerely hope that this horrible matter is quickly resolved. Remember that accusations can be leveled at and by anyone and we must be very, very cautious in these situations. It seems a bit premature to have even published this piece, but that damage has been done. Please show those involved the courtesy of witholding judgment and personal attacks.
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:55 p.m.
I have to disagree. It would have been premature if he'd not been arrested. After arrest and arraignment, it's a matter of public record. Why should he be treated any differently. To those who say his career has already been destroyed, regardless of the outcome, I also disagree. If it is found that the charges were fabricated maliciously and he is acquitted, his career is not over.
eCoaster
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3 p.m.
I do not think it is premature to publish this piece. It is part of the arrest blotter. Just because Weinblatt is a doctor with a longstanding practice does grant him an exception to crime reporting.
seldon
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
Is the "no alcohol or drugs" order standard when someone's released on bond?
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
Yes.
eCoaster
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
I wonder if Magistrate Horne ordered that Weinblatt not use alcohol or drugs because they are a contributing factor in his alleged behavior. Unlike other commenters, I am not as "shocked" by the allegations. My children are former patients of Weinblatt, as of last spring. The reason: his lack of professionalism, both in terms of the care he provided and his manner.
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
M-live, can you please explain to the followers of this story why you are removing comments who are not in support of Dr. Weinblatt? If you are going to publish a story surrounding the "circumstantial" events presented to you as reports and why published the story in the first place, and then when readers present their view point or "circumstances" with this physician, unpopular as they may be, you remove them, almost every... single... one. I think we all need to understand why you are doing that. The woman's comments on her personal experience and why she went elsewhere are all related to this story, yet you take them away. This article has gotten a lot of attention. Please explain. Thank you.
Tony Dearing
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
While you may have come to this story through Mlive, this story is published on AnnArbor.com, and we are applying our usual comment moderation guidelines to the discussion. Among other things, we ask commenters not to speculate on things that have not been established in the information released so far.
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
"as reporters"
MBW
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
Our family's experience with Dr. Weinblatt is that he is an extraordinary pediatrician—the best of the best—full of compassion with a keen appreciation of humanity. 10 years ago I showed up at CHA at lunchtime with my 18-month-old son whose nose was split down the middle with an inch-long cut received during a fall. Dr. Weinblatt, not our pediatrician but in the office at the time, saw us right away and sewed up our son's nose with such skill that there is no scar visible 10 years later. He said at the time, "This boy has a twinkle in his eye that makes me think we'll be seeing him here often." A few years later when my younger son was born with pneumonia, Dr. Weinblatt was on duty at the hospital as he was being treated. Dr. Weinblatt gave us great comfort and care and I remember observing him with other families and babies in the NICU. I remember being impressed by the quality of his care for these families-- sharing stories and anecdotes and helping them through difficult times. I have no idea what happened here, but this doctor has a long history in this community of doing good works. This is a fact.
Kronoberger
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Charging him with " surveilling an unclothed person" and "window peeping" is a classic case of overcriminalization. These are different definitions of the same acts designed to (a) encourage a plea deal ("We will drop the window peeping charge if you will plead guilty to surveilling an unclothed person.") and/or (b) allow the person to be incarcerated for a longer period of time thus expanding even further our bloated prison system. Two questions to think about: Does the proliferation of laws criminalizing the same act really serve justice? How long of a sentence serves the public interest?
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
I think it is a classic case of having no case.
RuralMom
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
Seriously? This case involves a child, get real.
bjls150
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
I agree with others who find this story a bit fishy. Dr. Weinblatt was our family pediatrician for around 22 years and was always professional and caring. He helped us through a number of crises over the years, and I have the utmost respect for him as a physician.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
I've got quite a few issues with this article: 1. Without anything else but a singular eye witness this seems highly suspect. 2. Four instances of peeping before the "witness" acted? That's just gross and illogical. 3. I hope the police Interrogate the witness properly. Also, I think the manner in which this story was written smacks of one sided reporting.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.
Hmm, one witness observed the Dr. Weinblatt three times and did nothing until number foiur? This "witness" is suspect in my humble opinion. No matter if the attorney or Dr. Weinblatt declined comment, the issue is that A2.com is biased and should have waited until the circumstantial evidence and the witness were further examined by the police before smearing Dr. Weinblatt name. There is journalism and then there is sensationalism.
A2Kim
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
Dr. Weinblatt, and his attorney declined comment. How is that one-sided reporting?
jcj
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
I have one issue with your issues! "Without anything else but a singular eye witness this seems highly suspect." How many crimes are carried out with only one witness? The answer. Many How many are prosecuted? The answer. Many
zax
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
My first thought is I hope he is still not currently practicing medicine. My next thought to those who don't like seeing his picture, A2.com has posted pictures of many accused people before they were given a trial. And not all of the pictures have been so flattering. I pray the truth comes out for all of those involved and the rest of our community. Lets not jump to conclusions or hide our heads in the sand.
aaparent
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
In the photo of Dr. Weinblatt posted in the Detroit-WDIV story, he doesn't look like I remember him years back seeing my kids or when I have seen him around town in the past few years. He looks off or goofy in the photo. Maybe he is not well. Has he even been working full time in the past several years? Dr. Weinblatt was called and had no comment and the A2.com cites an unnamed source from Child Health Associates: "A woman who works at IHA Child Health - Ann Arbor on East Eisenhower Parkway said this afternoon that Weinblatt is employed there and she was unaware of the charges."
thinker
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
You believe a photo that clear taken through a window? What about reflections, photo shop ?
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.
That picture on Click On Detroit looked like a mug shot. Definitely not the most flattering picture and it would be easy for anyone who doesn't know him to judge him by that picture alone.
aaparent
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.
This is disturbing. I hope it is not true. My kids have seen Dr. Weinblatt and he has always been professional, appropriate and caring. Lee and Editors at A2.com: Can you report more information from the police reports before posting a photo and allegations about an arraignment for a local and well known pediatrician. While it might be a stretch: There are possible other explanations for why a 65-year-old man is wandering around. Is Dr. Weinblatt in good health or has he cut back hours over the past several years? If anyone has worked with aging adults, they know that memory issues and strange behavior is not unusual. It's disturbing and the reporting on this by A2.com should be responsible. The first paragraph should say he was seen watching the girl while she was changing clothes. The way it is written now suggests that his intent was to stand there and watch. Change the first paragraph to state that an adult witnessed him standing outside of the window of his/her house on four occasions, while inside the house, a 12-year-old girl was changing clothes. If the adult called the police on each occasion and then obtained more evidence, this should be clearly stated in the story.
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
Sorry aapparent, I owe you an apology. I know this is shocking to you as well, as it sounds like we both are parents who had children attended by him and feel we had great care. I didn't mean to discredit your profession. My apologies. I just do not believe in my heart "whatever" is going on that it has anything whatsoever to do with him as an aging adult.
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.
aaparent - There are a lot of us here who know him personally, me for one. It's easy for anyone who has "professional experience" to throw in their two cents worth on what might be goiing on, kind of like priest offering advice on marriage.
aaparent
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
@Lisa -My comments on memory loss in aging adults are not ridiculous especially if you have experience working with this. But I agree that I am throwing out an idea to give Dr. Weinblatt's behavior another possible explanation, and if he hadn't been my kids doctor, I would not comment on the story. It is very sad and disturbing if this is true.
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.
That is the most ridiculous comment I have seen. I highly doubt what is going on has anything to do with him aging, wandering around, etc. 65 is not old.
justcurious
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.
I wonder if you would feel the same way if he was not your childs' peds doctor? It was several days after his arraignment that it was posted here. No one should get special treatment.
RuralMom
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
Regardless of guilt or innocence he has been accused and does appear to have inform his employer where he has access to children. That to me is more bothersome, because if A2 or whomever hadn't called for a comment, how long would it have taken them to find out? I know I am assuming that the appropriate steps would have been taken at the clinic had they known. All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.
A2Kim
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
Clickondetroit.com posted this article last night @ 10:30 PM. <a href="http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Ann-Arbor-pediatrician-accused-of-window-peeping/-/1719418/4837646/-/joerhv/-/index.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Ann-Arbor-pediatrician-accused-of-window-peeping/-/1719418/4837646/-/joerhv/-/index.html</a>
A2Kim
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
thinker: I believe this photo on clickondetroit.com is his mugshot photo. I guess I don't understand your comment; you are saying it's photoshopped, or taken through a window? "Come on?" I honestly don't understand what your comment means, and I'm not being snarky. :/
thinker
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
In the days of photoshopping, anyone would believe a photo that clear taken through a window? Come on!
donderop
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 10:47 a.m.
Creepily familiar. When I was 12, a dentist whose office was next door to our home, peeped in my window. It was terrifying to look up and see him staring at me. He was never prosecuted -- because he denied it, and I was the only one who saw him. Why would an upstanding, middle-aged medical professional do such a thing? It happens. But there are many questions about the Weinblatt story, especially the reporting delay, and the circumstances of opportunity for this alleged act. It will interesting to learn what materials they removed from the doctor's home.
Jim Clarkson
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 6:14 a.m.
Umm yeah, please READ my first post. It was about the fact that when they do other crime stories about people that have already been arrested or people the police are looking for they DO NOT post pictures. that was the point of my comment.
a2chrisp
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 5:07 a.m.
This is just crazy...This guy was my doctor when I was a kid, and was/is the doctor of many, many other children in this community. Really makes you wonder about people.
Jim Clarkson
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:44 a.m.
Question, this man is only accused of this crime so far, am I correct? So why is it that you posted his photograph. I only ask because when Annarbor.com does other crime stories in which the story is about someone who is known to have commited a crime or an individual that the police are looking for you never post those pictures. I do not know this man so I am not saying one way or the other whether he is guilty or not, but it seems to me that you would want to get all the facts of the story before you start posting pictures of the ALLEGED person. Then again this is the world we live in now, guilty until proven innocent.
Paula Gardner
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
We routinely seek photos of people who have been charged with crimes, and more often run "mugshots" from police. There are circumstances when we can't obtain the photos for various reasons, but over the course of time you should see photos with most stories on AnnArbor.com that involve a person charged with a crime.
A2Kim
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 5:34 a.m.
@Jim: clickondetroit.com has posted the story with another pic of Dr. Weinblatt: <a href="http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Ann-Arbor-pediatrician-accused-of-window-peeping/-/1719418/4837646/-/joerhv/-/index.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Ann-Arbor-pediatrician-accused-of-window-peeping/-/1719418/4837646/-/joerhv/-/index.html</a>
A2Kim
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:55 a.m.
If you google Dr. Weinblatt, you can find his pic (this pic, in fact) on a wellness.com profile. That is probably where the pic came from. Most accused are not prominent members of the community, with profiles available with a simple google search. I can't speak for Lee, of course, but that's my guess.
MichU
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:52 a.m.
I find it interesting that his place of work no longer lists him among their physicians or other professionals.
John Q
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:23 a.m.
Based on the specific charge of "surveilling an unclothed person" and the statement by the police, it seems likely the police have photographic evidence of the crime.
Scott Brown
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:22 a.m.
Dr. Weinblatt is our children's pediatrician and I hope this story, for all parties involved, is a big mistake.
RTFM
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4 a.m.
Ann Arbor police Lt. Mark St. Amour said Weinblatt went to the girl's home near Burns Park Elementary School on four occasions between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31 and looked through a window, watching as she changed her clothing. An adult saw Weinblatt on all four occasions, St. Amour said, and ultimately reported the incidents to police. St. Amour declined to say what accounted for any delay in reporting the incidents. Question? Then the "adult" must have also watched this. How else whould they know she changed her clothing? Sounds like a troubling situation.
EMU Prof
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:47 a.m.
Impossible to believe. Perhaps true nonetheless, but for those of us who know him, this is beyond shocking. Maybe it is a terrible mistake or misunderstanding. After all, why would a pediatrician have to sneak around to watch children disrobe?
YpsiVeteran
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.
People who have this problem often have a complete disconnect between their day-to-day lives and their "little secret." They often function at an extremely high level for years, giving no indication of any issues. He could easily be the caring, competent, trusted professional and be guilty of these charges at the same time. The fact that he has no comment is huge. Innocent people don't decline any opportunity to proclaim their innocence. They just don't. People who've been seeing him for years may have to come to terms with the idea that he was hiding a darker side.
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:45 a.m.
Kind of glued to the comments, since Dr. Weinblatt was our pediatrician for years. I wonder why though, if he is still practicing, he is not listed with the team of other physicians or team members for that practice. Is he retired?
A2Kim
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.
Dr. Weinblatt is innocent until proven guilty. Don't you think that Child Health Associates would want to do what they can to "protect" their business. I think his presence would cause considerable talk and speculation amongst both the staff and the patients. These are alleged charges, and he will appear in court tomorrow, November 30. Hopefully we will know more then.
jcj
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 6:42 a.m.
At 8pm Mon night his name was on the website. It has since been removed.
EMU Prof
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.
He is definitely still practicing. Perhaps he has been temporarily removed from the web site.
teapotty
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:40 a.m.
Let's focus on the facts... accused, not charged. How was his identity confirmed? While this is disturbing, the article does not include facts or positive identification is was Dr. Howard Weinblatt. Disturbed and unsure ...
Jake C
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:42 a.m.
Here's three facts: "Ann Arbor police Lt. Mark St. Amour said Weinblatt went to the girl's home near Burns Park Elementary School on four occasions between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31 and looked through a window, watching as she changed her clothing. An adult saw Weinblatt on all four occasions, St. Amour said, and ultimately reported the incidents to police. Officers executed a search warrant at Weinblatt's home on Olivia Avenue in Ann Arbor on Nov. 22 and arrested him, seizing a number of items, St. Amour said. "
Dot
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
"Weinblatt went to the girl's home near Burns Park Elementary School on four occasions between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31 and looked through a window, watching as she changed her clothing. An adult saw Weinblatt on all four occasions, St. Amour said, and ultimately reported the incidents to police. St. Amour declined to say what accounted for any delay in reporting the incidents" Seeing someone looking at a particular direction from a distance( Burns Park school playground), and/or with a device to enhance viewing from a distance, and not being certain that the person is looking in a window - at first - followed by additional observations of this same person getting bolder and more obvious in their viewing and then realizing the specific intended home/window/child/target - might explain the delay in reporting. It's called not jumping to conclusions, but fortunately, keeping an eye on the situation to confirm the perps intention.
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
Where in the above story is there an "enhanced" viewing device mentioned? No matter what, Guilty or innocent, assumptions and conclusions were already made the second this story hit the internet. This Doctor's career is over, guilty or innocent. I am sure his receptionist will be flooded with permanent cancellation calls this morning if she didn't quit already. This is due to things similar like throwing the wrench in tha an "enchanced" viewing device may have been used. I would like more "facts" before I even draw any kind of conclusion on what was reported. So far all I see is a well respected Doctor without a spot on his record who was arrested due to another persons observations with Police drawing conclusions and now hope that the prosecutor OK's these charges. Now we have the Court of Public Opinion who will ultimately convict this guy. He is finished in the Pediatric field due to this witch hunt, that has made people like myself (who would never inappropriately touch a child) never ever want to shake hands or be alone anywhere with a child unless they were my own.
Karen Van Eck
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
I hope that AnnArbor.com will continue to provide unbiased and precise reporting on this incident. Over the years, thousands of Ann Arbor's children have walked through their doors for treatment. Child Health Associates is staffed by wonderful caring physicians, nurses, and office staff. Please provide us with unbiased, accurate, detail infused coverage.
Billy
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:10 a.m.
Don't trust ANYTHING written in the comments, the staff is being VERY selective in the message they are deleting once again.
Billy
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:08 a.m.
Pathetic.
Fat Bill
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3 a.m.
In the medical field, skin is "in", why would a pediatrician have to go out of his way for a peek at unclothed child? I was an EMT for 8 years, most EMT's, Doctors, Nurses, etc usually get somewhat desensitized to nudity...
Jake C
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:22 a.m.
You're missing the point, "EMU Prof". Some people "get off" on standard sexual situations. Some people respond to more "clandestine" activities and require greater and greater risks to generate the same response. It's all about context.
EMU Prof
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:05 a.m.
I think a doctor with a disrobed patient in his room is in a position of power. A grown man crouching in a bush is not. So I think FB is on the mark here.
Jake C
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
Because that's not what crimes like these are usually about. Do you understand that a crime such as rape is rarely about sexual satisfaction, but instead is about power?
nicole
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:59 a.m.
I've got to say it again, something does NOT ring true about this story. Sounds like he was framed. People take walks through Burns Park all the time at dusk, and if people have their drapes open, you can see right into the houses. So what? Does that make you a criminal because you look in?
cinnabar7071
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.
Yes, maybe not at the first look, but if you continue or come back yes you are a creep!
nicole
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
Something sounds fishy. He's a great doctor. He's treated my daughter several times.
justcurious
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:15 a.m.
According to Michigan Law a minor can see a doctor without their parent's knowledge. <a href="http://www.mi.gov/documents/mdch/Understanding_Your_Childs_Rights_Michigan_Laws_296533_7.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mi.gov/documents/mdch/Understanding_Your_Childs_Rights_Michigan_Laws_296533_7.pdf</a> .
bosco2468
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
Give me a break. Four times by an adult? Why didn't they stop him the first time!!! And the kid undresses, routinely, with the curtains and blinds opened? Why? Entrapment? Something stinks about this....
KeepingItReal
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.
That was my initial reaction.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
Exactly! Good point: Entrapment?
brendalee
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.
this is really sad, I love Iha in ann arbor, I find all the doctors to be real caring... praying this is not true! He is a great doctor
girlhunter
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.
He used to be my kids doctor... very odd.. he never seemed anything but professional. WOW!!! is the only thing I can say!! Very shocking.. I do have one question.. if a adult saw him 4 times.. why did it take 4 times to notify the police?
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:49 a.m.
I am stunned. He was my pediatrician to my children from their birth through their transition to adult their adult M.D.'s This is something I really don't want to believe.
lisam
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
oops....obviously a little shaken. I meant he was their pediatrician through their transition to their adult MDs. He is a good doctor and I will be devestated if this is true. I pray not.
thinker
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:23 a.m.
Innocent until proven guilty. The story is almost too far-fetched to believe.
Michelle Checchi
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:18 a.m.
Surely this must be a mistake. I can't believe for an instant that Dr. Weinblatt would do this.
Steve
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
I know him, too. Just too strange to believe.
Berda Green
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
wowwwwww
Roadman
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:46 a.m.
Kind of a bizarre case. Is there any independent proof that he was actually doing this (e.g. confession, police officerwitness, videotape)? It seems odd this man was a sterling professional for over 30 years and all of a sudden this happens.
bedrog
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
Roadman..when you're not promoting the AATA-rejected hate ad, maybe you can handle this guy's case . Why are you surprised at "odd"? Since advocating for such seems to be your main stock in trade.
Steve
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
Typically in these cases it is later revealed it wasn't "all of a sudden". There are almost always "warning signs"....or worse (Sandusky). If true, a lot of people and organizations are searching their records and doing the CYA thing right about now.
jcj
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
"It seems odd this man was a sterling professional for over 30 years and all of a sudden this happens." Who knows if it has happened before? It is not that unusual for someone to gradually get more bold about doing things. Especially if they have never been caught. Not saying that is what happened here.
Cathy
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
Before we all join the lynch mob, shouldn't we at least entertain the idea that this man is innocent?
cinnabar7071
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
4 times caught looking into a childs window? I dont need to wait for the jury on this one unless the reportee was lying.
genetracy
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
There is always a presumption of innocence, but if my kid was his patient, I would be shopping for another doctor right now.
jcj
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.
Strange you are so open minded concerning these alleged incidents given your comments about other individuals who were only charged or accused but not yet convicted!
say it plain
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:37 a.m.
I surely would prefer to imagine that he is !
ummsw
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:27 a.m.
Couldn't have said it better.."Steve" Wow
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.
if if if if he is found guilty I would hope is license to practice medicine would be revoked.
GirlNextDoor
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:34 a.m.
@say it plain: I have always been present in the room with my kids, when they were babies, and now as teenagers, with my daughters. However, when my teenage son has his annual well visit with his physician, he is alone in the room. I also have a 20-year old female college student who sees her physician without me, her mom, in the room. So, to answer your question, yes, and no. Yes, the accused are innocent until proven guilty.
say it plain
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:27 a.m.
I'm in *no* way trying to indicate that this is not disturbing news, but just to be ask about peoples' experiences here--CHA practices do *not* tend to include their physicians seeing patients without parents present in the examining room, correct?!
GirlNextDoor
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.
Agree, Craig! If, if, if!!! I've been replaying in my head all the visits with my sick kids, where we saw him...these are very disturbing charges!
Steve
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:04 a.m.
Wow.....just wow.
GirlNextDoor
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:03 a.m.
Wow - shocking! What a surprise for us A2 parents. While he is not my kids' primary doctor at Child Health Associates, we have seen him many times with sick children over the years. This makes me sick to my stomach to think of all the children he has seen in his pediatric career.
justcurious
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
"An adult saw Weinblatt on all four occasions, St. Amour said, and ultimately reported the incidents to police. St. Amour declined to say what accounted for any delay in reporting the incidents." If this is accurate, it is very disturbing.
Jake C
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
"It makes you wonder about who the adult was and what would their motive be for not reporting it immediately." I'm curious about why *that* is the thing you wonder about. If the accusation is true, maybe the parent just saw Dr. Weinblatt walking by, staring in his daughter's window and chose to believe it was a coincidence. And then another coincidence. And yet another coincidence. Time #4? Oh, maybe this isn't a coincidence now, time to call the cops. Doesn't seem like such a leap of logic.
justcurious
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:55 a.m.
It makes you wonder about who the adult was and what would their motive be for not reporting it immediately.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:51 a.m.
How strange! How many times do you have to see a man looking through some kid's window before you get suspicious and call the cops? The whole thing sounds a bit hokie. I hope he didn't do it. We shall see.