Doctor fined over incident at clinic

An Omaha doctor who performs abortions was fined $150 for a confrontation with a protester last summer.

Dr. C.J. LaBenz pleaded no contest in Douglas County Court to careless driving and disturbing the peace. A charge of misdemeanor theft was dismissed.

Judge Thomas McQuade sentenced the doctor last week to a $75 fine on each count.

Anti-abortion activist Sharon McKee said LaBenz knocked her to the ground June 7 with his Jeep Cherokee outside the Women's Services Clinic at 46th and Douglas Streets.

LaBenz told police he was talking on his cell phone as he turned into the clinic parking lot and lost control of the Jeep.

McKee said LaBenz took her sign, clipboard, cell phone and cell phone case, which had $350 inside. An officer returned the items, but McKee said her money was missing, and her phone was damaged.