A man who treated multiple sex abuse victims while pretending to be a psychologist in Sarasota, Florida, was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by 10 years probation. Phillip Stutzman, 45, pleaded no contest to multiple felony counts of running an unlicensed healthcare practice. According to police, most of his clients were sex abuse victims or patients with weight and anxiety issues, many of whom have yet o come forward.
“This is a case that Sarasota Police Detective Ross Revill has been persistently working on since it was assigned to him in 2019,” said Criminal Investigations Division Captain Johnathan Todd in a public statement. “We’re thankful for the victims who had the courage to come forward and let us know what happened. Victim Advocate Jude Castro worked tirelessly and diligently to stay in contact with every victim. This man preyed on innocent people who were looking for help when they were most vulnerable. This outcome brings a resolution to the victims in this case and makes our community safe.”
The investigation began after many of Stutzman's patients came forward to file a complaint about his qualifications. Working under the name of Dr. Phillip Nikao, he maintained an office on Main Street in downtown Sarasota for two years. Despite claiming multiple degrees, including a master’s degree in neuroscience and a doctorate in psychology, obtained online, investigators learned that he had no legitimate credentials or diplomas.
In addition to his prison sentence, Stutzman has been ordered to pay at least $65,000 in restitution to the victims, and barred from practicing as a life coach.
Comments