A chiropractor in St. Thomas who is facing sexual assault charges is required to inform his patients about the allegations and have a third party present during all appointments as part of his release conditions, according to Ontario’s chiropractic regulatory body.
Last week, the St. Thomas police revealed that Steven Perry, a chiropractor with an office in St. Thomas, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement.
The College of Chiropractors of Ontario, which oversees chiropractors in the province, acknowledged being aware of the charges and stated these conditions were set while authorities investigate the claims.
“(The) CCO’s understanding is that it was a condition of Dr. Perry’s release that patients be aware of the charge and that a third person be present at every appointment pending any further action,” the college mentioned in an email.
Samantha Wakefield, a spokesperson for St. Thomas police, confirmed via email that both conditions are indeed part of Perry’s release terms.
It remains unclear if there are other release conditions applicable to Perry; however, Sgt. Jeremy Linker from St. Thomas police noted in an email that “release conditions are specific to safeguarding victims.”
The regulatory body indicated it cannot comment on investigation specifics until it’s finished but mentioned its Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee will decide if any further actions are necessary.
“The ICRC has the authority to consider appropriate action, including imposing interim terms, conditions or limitations on a member’s certificate of registration,” stated the college. “Any terms or conditions are posted on the public register beside the member’s name.”
The college also pointed out that Perry faced disciplinary action 20 years ago and those details along with his recent criminal charges can be found on their public register.
Perry was disciplined by the college back in 2006 after two patients filed complaints against him.
He “also faced criminal charges filed with respect to both complainants,” according to a report from the Discipline Committee available on the college’s website. The report indicates one set of criminal charges was withdrawn while he was acquitted following a five-day trial involving another complainant.
The Discipline Committee found Perry guilty of professional misconduct for not obtaining informed consent, not maintaining proper records, and engaging in unprofessional conduct. He received an oral reprimand along with a three-month suspension and was ordered to pay $7,500 towards some legal and investigative costs incurred by the college.
The Free Press tried reaching out to Perry through Family Health Options Treatment and Resource Centre in St. Thomas-the address listed by the college as his primary business location-but did not get any response before publication.
Investigators encourage anyone with relevant information about this case or similar unreported incidents to get in touch with St. Thomas police.
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