By Kevin Deutsch
A Coral Springs gastroenterologist has pleaded not guilty in two cases stemming from allegedly sending sexually explicit materials to underage girls, court records show.
Stewart Bitman, 65, of Parkland, entered not guilty pleas following his June arrest on charges of transmitting harmful materials to a minor; using a computer for child exploitation; promoting a sexual performance by a child; and four counts of lewd or lascivious exhibition, according to Broward County Circuit Court filings.
Bitman was first arrested by authorities in January 2021 for sending sexual text messages and nude photos of himself to a 13-year-old child, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. In that case, he pleaded not guilty to charges of using a computer for child exploitation, as well as three counts of transmitting harmful materials to a minor, court records show.
In an arrest affidavit, BSO described Bitman’s more recent alleged crimes as a continuation of his earlier, illegal activities allegedly conducted online in 2020.
After being freed from jail on more than $140,000 in bond, Bitman was rearrested July 22 by the U.S. Marshals Service, records show.
He is currently being held at Broward’s Paul Rein Detention Facility, records show.
Bitman’s next scheduled court date is Sept. 2.
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.
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