Sources: NJ.com; Patch.com New Jersey
An Essex County-based hypnotist was arrested Wednesday after an investigation revealed that he was sexually assaulting clients, authorities said.
Robert Bruckner, 55, of Randolph, the owner of Major Mindset Hypnosis Counseling in Fairfield, was charged with sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and practicing medicine without a license, according to a statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation by the office and the Fairfield Police was launched after clients reported to police that they had visited Bruckner for hypnotherapy but that during their sessions, he had subjected them to what he described as a prostate exam and asked them to submit to one, the office said.
It was unclear if Bruckner assaulted any clients while they were hypnotized, assistant prosecutor Jeffrey Conrad said in the statement.
Bruckner, who is not a licensed doctor, advertised hypnosis services to adults, teens and children on his website, authorities said.
“Hypnotist Robert A. Bruckner is a board certified hypnotist who specializes in academic, sports performance and medical hypnosis-counseling for adults, teens and children,” the website stated. “Robert is a Master Hypnotist who practices both Ericksonian Conversational Hypnosis and moderate to deep trance hypnosis for medical, sports, academic and many other issues and concerns.”
Anyone who may have information pertaining to the matter was asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 973-753-1130.
A Ridgewood High School student has tested positive for the coronavirus, the district announced.
According to the district, “the situation is isolated to a boys’ junior varsity and freshmen soccer team practice and there was no exposure within the RHS building.”
The district added that cleaning and disinfecting of all exposed areas has been completed, and said they are coordinating with public health officials to “assure the health and safety of our community.”
“The status of the situation is fluid,” they added. “We’re monitoring the situation closely.”
The district did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
No additional information was announced regarding how this positive test would impact soccer activities.