(CBS DETROIT) – A Michigan hypnotherapist faces a possible life sentence after being convicted of sexually abusing female patients for which he was responsible.
John Gary Tomlinson, 73, was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of unlawful imprisonment in connection with multiple incidents that occurred at his therapy practice in Grand Blanc Township from 2023 to 2017.
According to the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office, Grand Blanc police responded to a call at Tomlinson’s office in April 2017 after a patient Tomlinson was treating alleged that he had sexually assaulted her while she was undergoing her fourth hypnotherapy session. After charges were filed against Tomlinson, several other victims came forward.
During the trial, officials testified that victims were in a state of mental incapacitation during hypnotherapy sessions when Tomlinson allegedly attacked them. While three women were named as victims during the trial, the prosecution says authorities have received multiple complaints and allegations dating back to 2007.
“John Tomlinson’s actions are reprehensible,” District Attorney Leyton said after the verdict was read. “He violated the most basic and sacred trust of women who came to him for treatment of various ailments and he used that trust and his position to further his own desires,” Genesee County District Attorney David Leyton said in a statement.
“I would like to express my appreciation for the hard work of my team, including Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Poulos and his support staff, victim advocates and others who brought this case to a successful conclusion and obtained justice in a court of law for the many victims involved.”
Tomlinson will be sentenced on September 30.
