Therapist Faces New Charge in Sexual Assault Case

A therapist faced a new felony count this week after a judge dismissed other charges that he hypnotized and sexually assaulted female patients in a clinic that specialized in treating victims of sexual abuse.

Municipal Judge Paul L. Metzler dismissed the six felony sexual assault charges Tuesday against Michael LaMont Buffington of Northridge.

“The judge granted a motion to dismiss the charges because the element of duress was not supported,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Alan Yochelson. “The judge said there was insufficient evidence to show that it was not consensual.”

Yochelson said Buffington, 46, still faces one new count of felony sexual exploitation filed Tuesday on charges of having sex with at least two of his patients.

Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to appeal the dismissals.

Buffington was investigated after two female patients told police they remembered sexual encounters with him in their dreams.

On May 10, police planted a recording device in the bra of one of the women before she entered Buffington’s Some People’s Children clinic on Cahuenga Boulevard. After Buffington hypnotized the woman, police stormed his office, saying they heard the sound of a zipper, the sound of clothes rustling and heavy breathing.

Buffington was released on his own recognizance after posting a $150,000 bond and agreeing to wear an electronic device to monitor his whereabouts.