Hypnotherapist Faces 20 Felony Charges | Salt Lake City News

0:00It's September 12th. You're listening to Salt Lake City News today, AI-powered local news. So, we're talking about a hit note therapist out in Utah, William Draene, who's facing a serious rap sheet. We're looking at 20 felony charges, all stemming from allegations of sexual abuse against his clients. This wasn't a one-off situation. The complaints have been piling up for nearly two decades. The big question here is why it took so long for any action to be taken. Apparently, the world of hitnotherapy exists in this kind of regulatory grey zone. This made it tough for the Salt Lake City police to figure out if the alleged touching was part of the therapy or if it crossed the line into criminal behavior. It's a tough spot for victims for sure. When you're in a therapeutic setting, you're supposed to feel safe and trust the person guiding you. The ambiguity in how hitnotherapy is regulated likely made it harder for these allegations to be treated as clear-cut crimes from the jump. Now, Draene has been brought before the third district court.

1:00He's facing these multiple felony charges, and the legal process is underway. It's a situation that highlights the challenges in regulating certain alternative health practices. This whole case is a stark reminder of how important clear regulations are, especially when people are in vulnerable positions seeking help. The wheels of justice can turn slowly, and sometimes the system needs to catch up with evolving practices.