A Clark County acupuncturist who had unwanted sexual contact with a female patient in September 2014 was sentenced Tuesday to 15 months in prison.
Kooyeoll K. “Eric” Jung, 55, of Camas previously pleaded guilty in Clark County Superior Court to one count of indecent liberties stemming from the incident at his Vancouver office.
Jung had sexual contact with a 51-year-old woman inside a treatment room at 201 S.E. 124th Ave. The woman was sitting on a table wearing a treatment gown and pants when Jung pulled her off the table, restrained her and proceeded to have sexual contact with her, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Superior Court.
He confessed to the sexual contact during an interview with Vancouver police on Oct. 20, 2014, court records show.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the victim explained how she’s been on an “emotional rollercoaster” since the incident. She said she now has a difficult time trusting health care providers and men in general.
Two of her daughters also spoke of the toll the trauma has had on their mother and family.
Afterward, Jung’s defense attorney, Erin McAleer, said his client crossed an “ethical, moral and professional line” but said the incident was consensual.
“He’s taken responsibility. He’s pleaded guilty,” McAleer said. “He has lost everything in life because of his bad decisions.”
Deputy Prosecutor James Smith strongly disagreed with the notion that the sexual contact was consensual.
Jung initially faced two counts of second-degree rape, in addition to the indecent liberties charge. However, those charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal. Smith said the decision was not based on the victim’s credibility but that there were other legal factors at play.
A tearful Jung also addressed the court but was barely audible to those sitting in the gallery.
Judge Suzan Clark told Jung his actions were “absolutely appalling” and said she needs “to know the extent of your predatory behavior.”
She ordered that Jung undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation. He is not to have contact with the victim. Clark also prohibited Jung from practicing medicine while he’s on community custody for three years following his prison time.
It’s unclear if Jung’s East Asian medicine practitioner license will be revoked. State health officials suspended his license in December 2014 after he was criminally charged. Jung had received the license from the Washington Department of Health in August 2000, according to Columbian archives.
