Michigan hypnotherapist convicted of sexually harassing patient during sessions

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

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 occurred at his therapy practice in Grand Blanc Township between 2013 and 2017.

Some allegations date back to 2007.

According to authorities, the victims said they were in various states of mental retardation during hypnotherapy when he attacked them.

After a victim reported in April 2017 that Tomlinson had sexually abused her, police began investigating and several more victims came forward. He was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation.

Tomlinson was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison on Monday, September 30. He will be 88 when he is deemed eligible for parole.