KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Richland Chiropractor Suspended after Child Rape Charges
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RICHLAND, Wash.- A local chiropractor has his license suspended accused of sexual contact with a minor.
Doctor Jeffrey Sullivan is charged with raping a 12-year-old patient.
Benton County Sheriff's detectives charged 46-year-old Dr. Jeff Sullivan in February on suspicion of raping a 12-year-old female patient. He was released on $5,000 bail.
He's since been charged with the crime and the Washington State Department of Health took away the longtime chiropractor's licence.
"Sullivan cannot practice as a chiropractor pending the outcome of a hearing," said Tammy Kelley with the Health Department.
The charges stem from a February Sheriff's investigation that led to an arrest warrant against the doctor.
Court papers obtained Thursday detail inappropriate conduct last November between Sullivan and a 12 year old female patient.
Prosecutors allege he fondled the girl, kissed her, and even more graphic details of the alleged rape KNDU can't discuss.
KNDU stopped by Sullivan's Richland office to find it locked, and a relative at his West Richland property told us he wasn't home, but KNDU did reach the Doctor on the phone who told us to contact his lawyer.
Sullivan's attorney had no comment.
The accusations shocked neighbor Nikki Depeel who lives just two doors from Sullivan's West Richland home.
"Like when I was little we, me and my sister went over there a couple times and hung out with their family and daughters and stuff and player in their treehouse, and never in a million years would I have thought that," Depeel said.
Sullivan now has twenty days to contest the suspension that could end his career.
"This is a pretty major action we don't take this without having a full case in front of us because we would need to be able to prove our case," Kelley said.
Ironically, a sign on the door at Sullivan's office tells intruders Richland Police are monitoring the building, but Sullivan has found himself on the other side of the law.
Sullivan is due back in court next week.
He's been ordered not to come within 250 feet of the alleged victim.
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