Hypnotherapist Convicted of Sexual Assaults in Michigan

John Gary Tomlinson, a 73-year-old hypnotherapist, has been convicted of multiple sexual assault charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct and unlawful imprisonment, stemming from incidents involving several female patients at his Grand Blanc Township office from 2013 to 2017. The investigation began after a victim reported assaults that occurred during hypnotherapy sessions, leading to the identification of multiple other victims, with some allegations dating back to 2007. Testimonies revealed that many victims were in states of mental incapacity during the assaults, undermining their ability to consent. Prosecutor David Leyton condemned Tomlinson's actions as a violation of trust, emphasizing the serious nature of the crimes. Tomlinson will be sentenced on September 30, facing the possibility of life imprisonment. The case highlights significant concerns regarding patient safety and ethical conduct within therapeutic practices.