A former Snohomish chiropractor accused of touching the private parts of patients during treatments was convicted of second-degree rape Tuesday.
A Snohomish County Superior Court jury of eight men and four women deliberated nearly two days before arriving at the verdict.
Douglas Durwood Duncan, 53, is scheduled to be sentenced June 17 by Judge Anita Farris. The sentencing range for him is between 6 1/2years and 8 1/2years in prison.
Duncan was acquitted of three other charges of indecent liberties.
Three women testified that Duncan touched them in private places during his treatments.
There was publicity on the case when Duncan was charged in October 2002 for illicit conduct with two women.
After newspaper stories, 11 more women came forward, Deputy Prosecutor Matt Baldock said. Charges weren’t filed on behalf of most of them because of their reluctance to testify, or because the acts occurred years ago, beyond the statute of limitation, Baldock said.
He said jurors were not aware of the allegations by the women who complained but for which there were no charges.
According to testimony, Duncan frequently used sexually charged language and didn’t always act in a professional manner related to the treatment, Baldock said.
He has not seen any patients since the allegations were lodged.
Duncan’s license was suspended in 2002 by the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission, which establishes and monitors the profession. Baldock said he assumes the commission will use testimony from the trial to permanently revoke his license.
In addition to the sex charges, Duncan is charged with second-degree assault for allegedly pointing a shotgun at a cleaning person at his clinic. Baldock said. His assault trial is scheduled later this month.
Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or haley@heraldnet.com.
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