Doctor who worked with youth hockey teams gets 10 years in prison for sex assault
Zvi Levran, a doctor known for his work with youth hockey teams in the Detroit area, has been sentenced to at least 10 years in prison for sexual assault and other crimes involving both adults and teenagers. Levran was accused of groping victims during sports physicals, performing inappropriate acts during medical appointments, and showering with them post-workout. His case has drawn parallels with Larry Nassar, another Michigan sports doctor convicted of sexually assaulting young athletes. In court, Levran acknowledged the impact of his actions on his victims but refrained from defending himself, having pleaded no contest to 28 charges including third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The prosecutor credited the bravery of the victims for coming forward, which played a crucial role in halting Levran's predatory behavior and aiding in his conviction.
Zvi Levran, dubbed the 'hockey doc', was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison for multiple counts of sexual assault and related crimes against adults and teenagers in Detroit.
Victims reported being groped by Levran during sports physicals and other medical treatments, and in some instances, he engaged in inappropriate sexual acts such as performing oral sex during a medical appointment.
The case against Levran has been compared to that of Larry Nassar, another Michigan sports doctor who sexually abused young athletes, highlighting a troubling pattern in the sports medical community.
During his court appearance, Levran, aged 68, expressed difficulty in addressing his actions in front of his victims and chose not to defend himself, having pleaded no contest to 28 charges, which is equivalent to a conviction in Michigan.
Levran's conviction was significantly influenced by the courage of his victims who stepped forward, enabling the legal process to prevent potential future abuses by him.
One 29-year-old victim shared in court how the assaults have negatively impacted her mental health, yet she expressed relief that Levran no longer holds power over her.
Levran's plea and sentencing highlight the importance of victim testimony in sexual assault cases, serving as a reminder of the critical role it plays in securing justice.