Paragould doctor posts bond on voyeurism charges

PARAGOULD — A north Arkansas doctor accused of snapping photographs of a woman during a gynecological exam has been released from jail.

The Greene County jail said Friday that Paul Becton, who was arrested Wednesday on felony charges of video voyeurism, was released about 5:30 p.m. Thursday after paying his bond. His bail was set at $500,000 in court.

Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington said Becton paid his bond through a commercial bonding company and had surrendered his passport to authorities.

A civil lawsuit has also been filed against Becton by a 23-year-old Rector woman, who claims he used a cellphone to take photos of her during an exam. State police say investigators found numerous images of nude women on Becton's cellphone.

An attorney for Becton didn't return calls seeking comment Friday.

Meanwhile, a Paragould hospital said it will open a new women's clinic to fill the gap in coverage for prenatal and post-delivery care.

Starting Monday, a new women's clinic in Arkansas Methodist Medical Center will be open for patients. Hospital spokesman Shay Willis said Friday that the hospital had been exploring opening its own women's clinic over the past week.

Officials with the Greene County Health Unit say Becton had been the only doctor in Greene County practicing in obstetrics and gynecology.

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