Ex-prison doctor accused of sexual assaults
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By MARK GUNDERMAN
mark.gunderman@lee.net
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 11:02 AM CDT
A former physician at the Stanley Correctional Facility is facing felony charges for allegedly having sexual contact with inmates during physical exams in a way inconsistent with medical practice.
Brian J. Bohlmann, 46, 23 Quailridge Dr., Madison, was charged in Chippewa County Court today with three counts of second degree sexual assault by correction staff, two counts of third degree sexual assault and one count of fourth degree sexual assault.
District Attorney Jon Theisen said Bohlmann repeatedly used his position as a medical professional to sexually assault patients and the charges were filed after a thorough investigation by the state Department of Justice.
“Medical doctors take a Hippocratic Oath wherein they swear to protect their patients from harm and injustice. It is despicably ironic and unjust that any doctor would use his or her position to sexually harm patients,” Theisen said.
“The Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office zealously prosecutes all sexual offenders. This office has earned a reputation for successful prosecution in support of sexually assaulted women, children and disabled. All victims, including prison inmates, deserve our aggressive prosecution of their offenders.”
According to the criminal complaint:
An inmate at the prison first reported on Sept. 19, 2007 that two days before he had been sexually assaulted by Bohlmann. The 25-year-old man said he went to the doctor for a back problem, but Bohlmann’s exam concentrated on the genital and rectal areas and included collection of seminal fluid.
He said after the exam, Bohlmann told him they had to keep things between themselves or they could get in trouble.
In October 2007, another inmate went to Bohlmann for a routine physical, including a complaint about pimples on his side, and the exam included the doctor running ungloved hands over his body and genital contact.
The inmate said at one point he put his clothes back on and Bohlmann had him undress again for a prostate exam.
Another inmate reported that in September 2007 he went to Bohlmann about a rash on his waistline, under his arms and on his knees and Bohlmann’s exam included genital contact and a rectal exam that the inmate felt went on too long.
As a result of complaints, the medical supervisor for the Department of Corrections ordered Bohlmann not to do any below-the-waist exams without another staff member present.
When interviewed by investigators, Bohlmann claimed the exams were medically appropriate.
The second degree sexual assault charges are punishable by up to 40 years in prison, and the third degree charges are punishable by up to 10 years. Bohlmann is to appear in court Oct. 28.
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