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Rhori Johnston/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis, Feb. 25 - Mary Singleton joined a handful of other women in Marion County Criminal Court Six Friday, they share a common experience, it's an experience all would like to forget.
"I'm a hard person to forgive. I can forgive to a point, but I'll never forget." Singleton never forgot what happened to her in the summer of 2002 when she went to see Dr. Michael French for a neurological problem.
Alone in his office, French inappropriately touched Singleton.
In all, investigators say 32 women claimed French touched them sexually during exams.
Deputy Prosecutor David Wyser says, "All of these victims, additionally the ones who weren't even here today, were all harmed in one way or another."
In a plea agreement, Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson decided not to send French to prison, but he'll face three years of home detention and then six years of probation. He must also register as a sex offender for six years.
French previously agreed to turn over his medical license for 40 years. State officials suspended the license two and one-half years ago.
"The clear message is, you know that a doctor, and not just a doctor, but anybody who has trust with somebody needs to keep that trust, and when they betray that trust, they commit a crime," says Wyser.
"This is a very tragic day." Church leader Lionel Rush spoke with the media on French's behalf.
But in court, French apologized to his victims, saying he's humiliated, embarrassed, horrified and ashamed at his actions and that he's undergoing counseling.
"We're very remorseful for what has happened here," says Rush, "and we feel very bad for those who've been victimized."
Most victims say the punishment is fair and they all agree they're ready to move on with their lives.
One of those victims is Debbie Nesbit. "He's really a very good person, I think. I think he's just a sick person. And he needs help, and I hope that he gets it."
