Physician assistant convicted in Michigan assaults

A physician assistant from Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula who authorities said hypnotized and sexually assaulted two women has been convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported a jury in Kalkaska returned the verdict Wednesday in the case against 55-year-old Thomas Stetler. He faces at least two or three years in prison. A sentencing date wasn’t immediately set.

Reached today, defense lawyer Jeffrey Slocombe declined to comment to The Associated Press.

Police in September 2011 arrested Stetler, who was licensed by the state and ran Boardman Health & Wellness in South Boardman. He also practiced part-time at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, where his privileges were revoked after charges were filed.

The women told police Stetler assaulted them while they were under hypnosis to quit smoking.