Co-founder of NW eye surgery chain convicted in murder plot

[GOS_Queen]

Published: Thursday, February 03, 2011, 4:50 PM Updated: Thursday, February 03, 2011, 4:53 PM

SEATTLE -- The co-founder of a Northwest chain of eye-surgery centers has been convicted of plotting to kill two former colleagues.

Dr. Michael Mockovak of Clearly Lasik eye centers was found guilty today of four counts, including attempted murder. The King County Superior Court jury deliberated for less than two days.

Prosecutors said Mockovak was willing to pay more than $100,000 to have business partner Dr. Joseph King and former company President Brad Klock killed, and that he solicited an employee to hire an assassin.

Mockovak's lawyers claimed the employee goaded him into the plot after Mockovak raised the idea as a joke.

Clearly Lasik has offices throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. The company reported earnings of $17 million in 2007, but that figure dipped to $10 million in 2008.

Mockovak will be sentenced in March.

-- The Associated Press

[Ory]

I wonder if he tried to zap 'em with a laser?


zzzzzzzzap!

[chip anderson]

Had to do sumthin if the profits were droppin like that. Couldn't afford a three way split on a paultry 10 M.

[fjpod]

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

[FVCCHRIS]

A severly Myopic business plan for sure....

[sharpstick777]

Glad someone posted this... too close to home to say anything about it. We have had our share of strange MDs here in the Northwest.