A Hostile Neuhaus Begrudgingly Admits Details Of Affiliation
Wichita, KS - Abortionist Ann Kristin Neuhaus completed her testimony today in the criminal case of late-term abortionist George Tiller, but not before she began to act out on the stand, forcing Assistant Attorney General Barry Disney to ask that she be declared a hostile witness.
Neuhaus had politely and succinctly answered questions all morning during cross examination by Tiller's attorney, Dan Monnat. However, her attitude abruptly changed when Disney began to question her from Monnat's podium.
Disney told the court that he would be questioning her from that podium since Neuhaus seemed to have a better memory of questions asked from there.
"Thanks for the smart remark," Neuhaus responded.
From there her demeanor went from bad to worse. Her responses to Disney where argumentative and surly, prompting Disney to ask Judge Clark Owens to declare Neuhaus a hostile witness. After consultation over the noon hour, the judge granted Disney's request, but indicated her designation as a hostile witness would not be shared with the jury.
Disney did manage to establish through Neuhaus' testimony that she was recruited by Tiller, who consulted with her about the amount of her fee. He then set up a situation where she could only see patients at his request, at times of his determination, in an environment that he controlled. When she did the consultations by telephone, patients paid Tiller's staff, and they held the cash for Neuhaus until the next time she came to the clinic. The form letter that she signed, referring patients to Tiller for late-term abortions was drafted by Tiller's attorneys and provided to her by Tiller's staff.
Disney also established that patients were not free to choose their own second physician, and that Tiller controlled the fact that each patient saw Neuhaus, and only her.
More sparks flew when Disney attempted to question Neuhaus about her discipline with the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. Tiller's side strenuously objected, but the judge allowed the questioning. [Read Neuhaus disciplinary documents from the KSBHA 1, 2, 3]
After Neuhaus's testimony, the prosecution rested.
Seen in court today was Larry Buening, the former executive director of the KSBHA who allegedly told Tiller in 1999 that if he made an arrangement with Neuhaus to provide his late-term abortion referrals, "all of his problems would go away." Buening resigned in disgrace after a scandal involving reluctance of the Board to discipline dangerous physicians, and allegations of incompetence. Buening was an appointee of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. His wife, Vicki, is Sebelius' head of Constituent Affairs.
Buening is a long-time associate of Tiller's and was involved in Tiller's case with the KSBHA when Tiller was disciplined for drug and alcohol abuse. [Read document] Buening is expected to offer testimony for the defense.
"The more we hear in court, the more shady these people appear. Neuhaus didn't do herself any favors with her surly attitude. She appeared to be a hyper-paranoid person who lives in constant fear of criminal prosecution," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "Please continue to bathe this trail in prayer."
Court resumes tomorrow at 9 AM. Proceedings are expected to conclude by the end of the week.
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