Doctor Convicted for Soliciting Prostitution (updated with results of trial)

Applauded by patients, Dr. Navid Yazdi entered a Grand Island courtroom to face a prostitution charge. He agreed not to contest the case, so the judge found him guilty.

The prosecutor did not ask for jail time, saying Yazdi will likely pay beyond the thousand dollar fine.

Hall County Attorney Mark Young said, "Hopefully the fine and collateral consequences which he probably faces do send a message this isn't the kind of thing we want a whole lot of in Hall County."

The women outside the courtroom stand by Dr. Yazdi. Many met online, from a Facebook group in support of the doctor.

Sara Rathjen started that Facebook group. She said she would continue to see Dr. Yazdi.

"Everybody makes mistakes and no matter what happens he's still a good doctor and we all want to go to him," she said.

Stephanie Crosby said, "He delivered my five-year-old. I'm 21 weeks pregnant now and I just want him to come back. He's an amazing doctor."

A search warrant shows the doctor offered a former patient money for sexual favors. She claims she also posed for him, a story the county attorney backed up with a photo from the doctor's phone.

Yazdi's attorney Clarence Mock did not dispute the factual basis, at which time Judge Philip Martin found Yazdi guilty on the misdemeanor charge.

Yazdi apologized, telling the judge the full story would fill volumes. He said, "It was never my intent to pander or solicit. I realize it led to pain and suffering to individuals and colleagues. For that I'm deeply sorry."

The case may have reached a quick conclusion, but many are far from satisfied.

"People having to look for others doctors, they're the real victims right now," patient Kindy Messing said.

The county attorney said the plea agreement was fair, and neither singled out the doctor nor gave him special favors.

Mark Young said, "There's probably any number of people in the community upset he was charged or fined at all and any number upset he wasn't punished more harshly."

Yazdi was quiet as he left court. Attorney Clarence Mock said Yazdi never paid for sex, and agreed the financial and personal fallout is more than enough to punish him.

The county attorney also made it clear there's no evidence of a second victim as some had rumored.

In court records, the victim said Yazdi was asking for sex for a third party. However, Mark Young said there's also no evidence the doctor acted for anyone but himself.

Reporter's Notes by Steve White: Yazdi was fined $1,000 plus $48 in court costs. The judge did not sentence him to probation.

Members of the "We Support Dr. Yazdi" Facebook group rose to more than 760 members. Following the verdict, members posted notes of support for the OB/GYN and said they would continue to be his patients.

A second Facebook group "We Support the Victim of Dr. Yazdi" called the $1,000 a slap on the wrist, but said justice was served with the guilty verdict. nebraska.tv