Man Accused of Fondling Hypnosis Patient

A Memphis doctor is accused of using hypnosis to sexually assault a female employee.

Police say Dr. John O'Connell with Lakeside Behavioral Health hypnotized a woman who wanted to stop smoking.

She told police that during the first hypnosis session, she felt like she was on a cloud but wasn't able to open her eyes or move her arms and legs.

The second time the woman told police she followed the man to a hotel, because he claimed to be on call and needed to stay close to the hospital.

It was during that session the woman alleges she felt O'Connell fondling her.

O'Connell told police he was massaging her feet and shoulders with lotion to help her relax.

He also says the woman, under hypnosis, told him it was okay to lift her shirt.

He was arrested and released Saturday without bond.

Lakeside Director of Business Development Anthony Parker released the following statement:

"The alleged incident did not involve a current or former patient of Lakeside and did not happen at Lakeside Hospital. Dr. OConnell, since being charged, has not provided services at Lakeside. We will cooperate fully with authorities as they continue their investigation."