Highland Park chiropractor pleads not guilty to sex assault

A Highland Park chiropractor pleaded not guilty Thursday to allegations that he sexually assaulted a client during an appointment earlier this year.

Kevin G. Dutton, 38, of Chicago, was charged with one count of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after his June 19 arrest, Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Fred Day said.

Dutton remains free from custody after posting 10 percent of his $100,000 bail, Day said. He was ordered in court Thursday to not have any contact with the victim.

After Dutton's arrest was publicized, three women came forward and told authorities that they too were sexually abused by the chiropractor, Day told Judge George Strickland in court.

Day said the investigation remains open and additional charges are possible.

"I think when we go to trial, the facts will be very different that what the state has said in the indictment," defense attorney Steve McCullom said after the hearing.

Day did not comment about the case.

If found guilty at trial, Dutton could be sentenced to 4 to 15 years in prison, Strickland said.

Highland Park Police officials said a 22-year-old Lake Forest woman complained June 12 of inappropriate sexual conduct by Dutton during a chiropractic treatment at the Wellness Circle in the 800 block of Central Avenue.

Dutton worked at the fitness center as an independent contractor, officials said.

He turned himself into police after an arrest warrant was issued June 19 following a weeklong investigation, authorities said.

A search of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shows the state has suspended Dutton's chiropractor license.

Day said anyone with information on similar attacks should call the Lake County State's Attorney's Office at (847) 377-3000, or the Highland Park Police Department at (847) 432-7730.