Dr. Kimberly Lindsey (left), 44, director of the Centers for Disease Control’s Laboratory Science Policy and Practice Office, has been charged with child molestation and bestiality. Her live-in boyfriend at their Decatur, Georgia home, Thomas Westerman, 42, was charged with child molestation. The two turned themselves in on Sunday, October 9 after they learned warrants had been issued for their arrests, police told ABC News.
The Atlanta Constitution reported that the police were notified by medical professionals in August of the possible criminal activity of the pair. The arrest warrant cites criminal acts in January 2010 and in August 2011. Police incident reports describe a pattern of acts that began as early as June 2004. Lieutenant Pamela Kuntz, a spokesperson for the DeKalb County Police Department, told the newspaper, “During the investigation, evidence was recovered that led to the bestiality charge.” The evidence is said to be photographs obtained during the inquiry into the molestation case.
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According to authorities, the molestation charges relate to a six-year-old boy spanking Dr. Lindsey and using sex toys on her. Both Lindsey and Westerman were brought before the magistrate for their initial appearance on October 9, at which time they were informed of the charges against them, bail was set, and inquiry was made regarding legal representation.
Neighbors who know the couple expressed surprise and doubt about the charges. Lindsey, who received her degree in molecular biology from the University of Central Florida and her doctorate in immunology and molecular pathogenesis from Emory University, had received a dozen commendations for outstanding work.
ABC News reported:
Lindsey is a deputy director for the Laboratory Science Policy and Practice Program Office at the CDC, where she oversees $1.5 billion in funds that are disbursed across the agency for emergency response funding. She is listed as “Top Leadership” on the organization’s website, which also says she has worked extensively with bioterrorism prevention, HIV/AIDs prevention, and labratory [sic] testing.
Before her current position, Lindsey was senior health scientist at the Office of Public Health and Preparedness Response.
Westerman, a night watchman at the Centers for Disease Control, declined comment after his release from jail on Monday on a $15,000 bond; Lindsey was released on a $20,000 bond. The CDC also declined to comment, citing the need for confidentiality in investigation of personnel issues.
ABC News reported that a preliminary hearing, at which prosecutors will show more evidence that crimes were committed by Lindsey and Westerman, is scheduled for December 1.
Photo: DeKalb County Police Department
