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Novato Doctor Acquitted In Patient Sex Abuse Case

NOVATO (AP) -- A Novato family doctor accused of sexually abusing a patient has been acquitted of one charge.

80-year-old Horace Newhard was found not guilty on Thursday of sexual penetration due to fraud. Jurors deadlocked 9-3 on two counts of sexual battery, prompting Marin County Superior Court Judge Paul Haakenson to declare a mistrial on those charges.

Prosecutors are expected to announce whether they will seek another trial at a hearing set for March 29.

The alleged victim, a woman in her 60s, says she felt Newhard thrust his finger into her while she was being examined for a complaint of genital itching in 2007.

She also claims he touched her breasts inappropriately.

Newhard's lawyers said the doctor was following his usual treatment methods.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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