Friday, January 12, 2007

Texarkana psychiatrist arrested

As seen in the Texarkana Gazette

Local psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Seward was arrested Sunday on two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of theft of a firearm, according to court documents.

“I’d really rather not make any comment other than it’s just a misunderstanding,” Seward said. “I’m not guilty.”

A Texarkana, Texas, Police Department spokesman referred inquiries to the Bowie County District Attorney’s office.

The DA’s office will review the case before making a decision on whether to formally charge Seward.

Seward used a local bail bondsman to facilitate his release, court documents show. Bail amounts on the three criminal counts were $10,000 for the firearm theft and $20,000 each for the drug charges. Bowie County Justice of the Peace John Carson, Precinct 1, set the bail.

Seward, 45, graduated from Texas Tech medical school and has been practicing psychiatry for 16 years. He contracts with Northeast Texas Sabine Valley mental health center.

The doctor works with mentally ill and developmentally challenged clients.

The mental health agency was unaware of Seward’s arrest until contacted by the Gazette for information regarding his employment status.

“Dr. Seward is an independent contractor whose contract with Sabine Valley Center requires that he report arrests for the charges you list,” Marilyn Wyman, a human resources director with the center, said in an e-mail. “He has been taken off the clinic schedule pending resolution of the charges. He will not receive pay.”

Seward’s car, a Lexus, was stolen the day before his arrest in an area known for drug activity, records show. He declined to comment about his vehicle.

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