Watch CBS News

Fmr. Chiropractor Gets 4 Years In Prison For Raping Patient

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A former Little Canada chiropractor will spend the next four years behind bars.

Fifty-four-year-old Paul Thompson, of Vadnais Heights, admitted to sexually assaulting a woman who had been his patient for more than 10 years. In addition to being sentenced to four years in prison, he must also register as a sex offender.

At the sentencing, Thompson cried as he once again apologized to his victim and her family. He told the court he needs treatment and had been seeking help since his arrest back in August. His plea for mercy did not sway the judge from sentencing him to four years behind bars.

Thompson's attorney says his client suffers from years of alcohol abuse, gambling and dealing with depression. He says these are not excuses for his client's actions, but some of the reasons he believes stress led him to act out.

According to court records, Thompson used his position as a chiropractor to take advantage of a client he had for more than 10 years. Thompson later admitted to raping his client inside his Little Canada practice.

The victim's father spoke off camera after the sentencing, saying he did not buy Thompson's apology and that the only thing he is sorry about is that he got caught.

The victim's father went on to say this is the "ultimate betrayal" after his daughter trusted him to help her when she was injured in an accident.

This is not the first time Thompson has been disciplined for his conduct. He has a 14-year history of inappropriate conduct with patients and staff.

Records show that the Minnesota Board of Chiropractic Examiners placed Thompson on probation in 1991 and 2005 for inappropriate conduct with several female patients as well as a female employee. His license was revoked in June after the board learned of the rape case.

Thompson will have to serve at least 32 of his 48-month sentence behind bars. He will then serve 10 years of supervised probation and must register as a sex offender.

Thompson will also have to pay his victim more than $9,000 in restitution.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.