Kennewick man accused of assaulting hypnotized woman

An amateur hypnotist is accused of having sex with a young woman while she was hypnotized.

Kevin Christian Geyer allegedly dressed the woman in an attempt to cover up the assault before waking her, said court documents.

The 25-year-old Kennewick man pleaded innocent Wednesday in Benton County Superior Court to one count of indecent liberties.

The felony charge involves having sexual contact when the person is incapable of consent because they are mentally incapacitated or physically helpless.

His trial is scheduled Jan. 5.

According to court documents, the woman was at Geyer's home June 4. Geyer reportedly had used hypnotism several times in the past to help the woman with her problems.

This time, Geyer "placed (the woman) under a state of hypnosis directing her to block out all of her senses except her hearing," documents said.

The woman later told Kennewick police that while under hypnosis, she had vague images of Geyer sexually assaulting her. She also found evidence of the sexual contact on her clothing, court documents said.

The woman confronted Geyer by text message, and he allegedly responded by apologizing.

When reached by investigators, Geyer admitted to inappropriately touching the woman, documents said.

"He acknowledged that he took advantage of her while she was under hypnosis and expressed his deep regret," Deputy Prosecutor Megan Whitmire wrote in court documents.

A sexual assault protection order was entered Wednesday, which means Geyer is to have no contact with the woman for one year and to turn over any guns or other dangerous weapons to police while the case is pending.

He is out of custody on his personal recognizance.

This story was originally published October 8, 2014 at 9:39 PM with the headline "Kennewick man accused of assaulting hypnotized woman."