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Faribault, Minn. (AP)

Minnesota man faces aiding suicide charges

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A former Minnesota nurse accused of going online and encouraging depressed people to kill themselves is making his first court appearance Tuesday.

Forty-seven-year-old William Melchert-Dinkel faces two counts of aiding suicide. Prosecutors say he met his victims in suicide chat rooms and encouraged them to take their lives.

According to the complaint, Melchert-Dinkel estimates helping up to five people commit suicide. He's charged in two deaths: the 2005 suicide of 32-year-old Mark Drybrough of England, and the 2008 suicide of 18-year-old Nadia Kajouji, of Ontario.

Melchert-Dinkel allegedly said he did it for the "thrill of the chase."

He's been free since he was charged last month.

Charges will be formally read during Tuesday's arraignment. Melchert-Dinkel's attorney says he's been reviewing evidence, and does not plan to enter a plea Tuesday.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)