A Bowling Green man charged with sexual battery and imposition and practicing medicine without a license pleaded not guilty to all charges this afternoon in Common Pleas Court.
William Van Robison, 68, was arraigned on charges of: Two counts of sexual battery, felonies of the third degree, both counts carry a potential sentence of 12-60 months in prison; one count of gross sexual imposition, a felony of the fourth degree, with a potential sentence of 6-18 months in prison; one count of sexual imposition, a misdemeanor of the third degree, 60 days of local incarceration; and one count of practicing medicine without a license, a fifth degree felony, 6-12 years. The potential penalties also included fines, post-release control, and registering as a sex offender.
According to the indictment, all offenses reportedly occurred between June 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2017.
Also special prosecutor Drew E. Wood, from the state attorney general’s office, asked that Robison not practice trigger point or massage therapy, which both require licenses, nor relaxation massage, which does not require a license. He used these services “to gain access to victims in this case,” the prosecutor said.
Also as condition of his bond, the prosecution wanted him restricted from operating Myo-Fit Pain Management, the company through which he offered these services. The prosecution claimed he admitted to not renewing his license in 2011 and 2012, and had not renewed it.
The prosecution also asked that he have no contact with the victims or their homes nor with any prior or present patients, and that he provide a $50,000 bond and be held under house arrest with an electronic monitor as a condition of his bond.
Robison’s attorney Scott Coon had asked for his client to be released on his own recognizance. He noted that Robison has been aware of the investigation for four years, and showed up in court.
In response to the prosecutor’s bond recommendation, he responded: “I think the prosecutor is trying to put Mr. Robison out of business. I don’t think that has anything to do with the condition of bond. He wants him to stop his practice completely. He’s not going to be able to make a living if he does that.”
Coon said that there are “no victims” given no evidence had been presented or heard in court yet. The defense was ready with approximately 40 character witnesses, he said.
Wood said that the law stipulates that part of bond is to prevent further danger to society, which in this case is Robison practicing without a license. “I believe his license has not been renewed,” Wood said.
Coon maintained that Robison has a license.
Kuhlman released Robison on personal recognizance, noting his long residence in Bowling Green. As conditions of bond he ordered that the defendant not to have any contact with any of the alleged victims or their homes. Also, Robison cannot practice in any area that requires a license that he does not have and he needs to provide evidence through his attorney “of his licensure in those areas he plans to continue practicing.”
A pre-trial hearing was set for Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
