Michigan suspends doctor license for sex assault conviction

PETOSKEY, Mich. (AP) - The state has suspended the license of a northern Michigan family care doctor who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a patient under the pretense of therapy.

Richard Ferguson pleaded guilty in August in Emmet County Circuit Court in Petoskey to assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. A judge in October sentenced him to between three years, two months and 10 years in prison.

On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs suspended the osteopathic physician's license to practice medicine.

The 60-year-old Ferguson worked for Little Traverse Bay Family Medicine. Authorities say he treated a female patient in June 2012 for "flashbacks and repercussions" of sexual abuse when she was younger.

They say he repeatedly sexually assaulted her and hired her to work in his office.