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Ex-Doctor Accused Of Contacting Teen Online, Trying To Trade Sex For Drugs

GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- A former doctor says the accusations of him offering drugs in exchange for sex are a misunderstanding.

Walking out of his preliminary hearing at District Justice James Alberts' Greensburg office, former physician Robert Franzino maintained his innocence.

KDKA's Ross Guidotti: "Are these allegations true, doctor?"

Franzino: "No, you'll see that they are not. It's a long story; you'll hear it soon enough."

In 2002, the former doctor pleaded guilty to asking patients for sex in exchange for narcotics. In 2005, he lost his medical license.

He faces similar counts once again.

The charges allege Franzino contacted a 15-year-old girl through Facebook and offered money and drugs for sex.

According to the criminal complaint, Franzino initiated contact, promising narcotics and a "win, win" arrangement.

He's accused of saying, "if you play your cards right, baby girl, I will show you how generous I can be."

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The criminal complaint says he also allegedly asked the victim her "drug of choice," referred to Valium as "the candy" and asked her for a "selfie" requiring it show her "body in all its glory."

After his first alleged message, the Greensburg Police found out and then played the role of the teen girl online.

When Franzino went to, as he put it "break the ice" with girl near Hawksworth Street in Greensburg, police were waiting and arrested him.

"I'm waiting for my day in court," he said.

Franzino is being held in the Westmoreland County Jail on $500,000 straight cash bond. He faces charges of felony criminal solicitation.

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