Michigan hypnotherapist sentenced for sexually assaulting patients during sessions

FLINT, Mich. – A hypnotherapist in Genesee County will spend at least 15 years in prison for multiple sexual assaults at his therapy office.

In August, a jury convicted 73-year-old John Gary Tomlinson of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of unlawful imprisonment. The convictions stem from multiple assaults that took place at his Grand Blanc Township therapy office between 2013 and 2017.

Some allegations go back to 2007.

According to authorities, victims testified they were under various states of mental incapacity while undergoing hypnotherapy when he assaulted them.

After a victim reported in April 2017 that Tomlinson sexually assaulted her, police began to investigate and multiple other victims came forward. He was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation.

Tomlinson was sentenced Monday, Sept. 30 to a minimum of 15 years. He will be 88 years old when he is considered eligible for parole.