Ex-doctor's sentence cut in sex crimes

Tulsa World (OK) - August 4, 2004

Ex-doctor's sentence cut in sex crimes

Ex-doctor's sentence cut in sex crimes

James Loerke

He has engaged in no “negative incidents” while in prison, the DOC says.

By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer

Published: 8/4/2004  5:01 AM

Last Modified: 8/27/2008  7:48 AM

A former Tulsa physician who confessed to sex crimes with a child relative saw five years cut from the prison portion of his sentence Tuesday.

Tulsa County Associate District Judge Caroline Wall modified James Loerke's sentence to 15 years in prison plus five years of probation.

A year ago, she sentenced Loerke to 20 years in prison, but she agreed to conduct this review, which gave her the option of modifying some or all of that term to a probationary period.

Prosecutor Brandon Whitworth objected to any change in the original sentence, which he said was "more than fair."

The Department of Corrections recommended the modification that Wall granted.

A DOC report says Loerke, 46, has engaged in no "negative incidents" while in prison and earned excellent evaluations for his work in a canteen at the Mack Alford Correctional Center in Stringtown.

Defense lawyer Scott Keith asserted Tuesday that he did not think continued incarceration for Loerke would have any value "other than the revenge factor."

Loerke has been in jail or prison since September 2002, when he was charged with sexually abusing the girl between August 1998 and Dec. 31, 2001. He pleaded guilty in June 2003 to four felonies.

Loerke surrendered his license as an osteopathic physician in September 2002, a spokeswoman with the state Board of Osteopathic Examiners said.

The girl was 11 at the time of the initial sentencing.

Whitworth maintained Tuesday that Loerke has "mailed multiple letters, cards and gifts" to her, against "the clear orders of the victim's therapist and physician."

Bill Braun 581-8455

bill.braun@tulsaworld.com