VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A Virginia Beach holistic doctor facing sexual battery charges pleaded guilty Monday to amended charges.
Michael Courtright
Michael Courtright was charged in May with two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery after allegations of sexual misconduct within his Virginia Beach practice.
Monday he pleaded to two charges of simple assault and battery.
Last November, court records show a mother of two recent patients contacted authorities after her two daughters saw Courtright for a visit.
Records stated that the girls were questioned about their past sexual history, sexual abuse and their amount of masturbation.
Then the court records said that Courtright examined both women separately, though other holistic doctors say this is not common practice.
Records stated, “Courtright told her to ‘drop her top’ and put her hands on her hips and ‘be proud’ of her nice body. He told her to stand still and move her hands so he could check symmetry of her breasts." It said when Courtright was giving the pelvic exam, one sister "felt pain."
News 3's Rachael Cardin spoke exclusively to one of the victims who said she is disappointed that Courtright will not have to register as a sex offender but she is mainly speaking out because she does not want what happened to her to happen to anyone else.
Courtright's attorney said since the charges he has not been practicing medicine and does not plan to do so in the state of Virginia without further licensure, though he may do consulting work.
Courtright's attorneys issued the following statement whe we reached out to them months ago:
“Stephen Pfeiffer and Adam Carroll would like to make the following statement on behalf of their client.
Dr. Courtright is a fully credentialed naturopathic physician in the state of Vermont. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct method of primary healthcare, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. Dr. Courtright has been licensed since 2009 without complaint.
Dr. Courtright vehemently denies any allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct and looks forward to his day in court."
Courtright was sentenced to two 365 day jail terms but all but 60 days were suspended. Courtright can not have any contact with the victims and must maintain good behavior for the next two years. He will serve his jail time on the weekends.
