An ultrasound technologist from Nebraska will spend the next four to five years in prison after accepting a plea deal in a case in which he was accused of fondling patients during ultrasound exams.
Kevin W. Ryan was employed by Midwest Cardiology of Omaha when he allegedly fondled three women during exams in late 2011, according to an article on Omaha.com. Two women claimed that Ryan digitally penetrated them during ultrasound exams on their arteries and veins, while a third woman claimed that he fondled her breasts during a chest exam.
Ryan was charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of misdemeanor fondling. In the plea deal, prosecutors reduced the first two charges to one count of second-degree assault and dropped the misdemeanor fondling charge, according to the article.
Under the deal, Ryan received a sentence of eight to 10 years in prison, a term that was cut in half under state law. He will be eligible for parole in four years, the article noted. Prosecutors said they pursued the plea deal as a way to avoid requiring the women to testify at a trial.
Ryan's attorney denied that Ryan's actions were sexual. Under the plea deal, Ryan will not have to register as a sex offender.
