Santa Cruz doctor charged with sexually abusing children was found dead in jail cell
10/14/2019 7:30 am PDT
via KTLA
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KTLA) -- A Northern California neurosurgeon awaiting trial on charges that he sexually abused children has been found dead in his jail cell.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's office says James Kohut was found alone in his cell Sunday morning.
Medical examiners are investigating the cause and manner of death, but authorities say a preliminary autopsy indicates Kohut likely took his own life. Authorities said he did not share a cell with other inmates and was held in a protective housing unit.
Kohut has been held since May 2017 when he and two women were arrested on suspicion of running a child-sex ring. Watsonville police said they received video images implicating all three.
MORE: Santa Cruz doctor charged with sexually abusing children was found dead in jail cell - KTLA
