PORTLAND, Maine — A Maine hypnotist convicted of sexual assault of a minor and accused of using hypnotism to keep the teenage girl quiet about their sexual encounters is appealing his conviction to the state’s highest court.
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments Wednesday from lawyers representing 38-year-old Aaron Patton, of Jay, who was convicted last year and sentenced to six years in prison.
Prosecutors said Patton began treating his victim with hypnotism when she was 12 to break her of a nail-biting habit and began having sex with her when she was 14.
In his appeal, Patton argues that the trial judge erred by allowing unqualified witnesses to testify about his use of hypnosis on the girl. Patton also argues that the judge allowed prejudicial evidence and inadmissible hearsay.
Lawbreakers need punishment; no more getting off on “technicalities.”
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Well stated…..
They are really used as a second chance for the lawyer to get paid vs. a second chance to get off. If you don’t have any resources, there is no appeal. Lawyers do not work for free, even pro-bono cases are not free.
Absurd…..no claims from the guy of being innocent or of it never happening…….filing an appeal based on his reasoning of technicality is a weak attempt to not be held accountable for taking the innocence of a young girl…..IMHO, you got off easy Mr. Patton……
Not so fast folks! The court should hear his appeal and dismiss his case and RETRY Patton. Only this time make the punishment fit the crime.
If he is that good why dont he hypnotize the judge into what ever he wants !
Hope he doesn’t use that Jedi mind trick stuff on the judge…
hmmmmmmm i have a neighbor who i’d love see cluck like a chicken.
You have neighbors? You wanna see em what a chicken? You’re SICK!
let him go in augusta and see what he can do to the lawmakers.
Hypnotized for 2 years for nail biting what kinda parents does she have?
1. It appears the prosecution’s claims that he hypnotized her in to silence were false
2. 6 years? How is this adult manipulation any different from two 13 year old boys that
were groomed and molested by their female teachers in Washington County only to get a recommended 30 days in jail?
3. Prosecutors are allowed to lie, cheat, and break the law to convict men. The high court needs to stop playing politics and start protecting people from a system that is out of control. That is NOT A TECHNICALITY. It’s called DUE PROCESS which everyone
must fight tooth and nail for.
4. No drug dealer, rapist, or thief ever caused more problems than a court system that is out of control and above the law.
5. The State is not your friend. People must get educated and practice jury nullification every chance they get.