Dentist wins appeal, convictions thrown out

MASON (AP) — The Michigan appeals court has overturned the convictions of a Lansing-area dentist who was accused of sexually assaulting a child patient.

The court says Wendell Racette’s trial was spoiled by a parade of witnesses who portrayed him as a “wicked man.” The court says it’s likely the torrent of testimony convinced the jury that he was capable of sexual assault.

Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III says he’s disappointed. The decision was dated last Tuesday but not released until last Thursday because of technical problems.

Racette was accused of sexually assaulting a boy many times between 1996 and 2000 at his office. The boy was 10 or under at the time. He came forward in 2010.

The 68-year-old Racette was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to at least 15 years in prison.