The city of Pontiac, Michigan recently saw the sentencing of a doctor known as the “hockey doc” for his involvement in sexual assault and other crimes involving both adults and teenagers. Zvi Levran, who was well-known for his work with youth hockey teams in the Detroit area, was handed a minimum of 10 years in prison for his reprehensible actions.
Victims recounted how Levran had groped them during sports physicals or while receiving treatment for injuries. Some even mentioned instances where he showered with them after workouts, crossing professional boundaries in the most egregious manner. One man bravely shared how Levran had even performed oral sex on him during a medical appointment for a hip injury.
The shocking allegations against Levran drew comparisons to another infamous Michigan sports doctor, Larry Nassar, who is currently serving time for similar crimes against teens and young women, including Olympic gymnasts. In addition to assaulting his victims, Levran was found to be in possession of images related to the sexual exploitation of children.
During his court appearance, Levran, now 68, chose not to speak for himself, acknowledging the pain and suffering he had caused to his victims. He had recently entered a plea of no contest to 28 charges in Oakland County, including third-degree criminal sexual conduct. In the state of Michigan, a no-contest plea is equivalent to a conviction at the time of sentencing. Levran will be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 10 years behind bars.
Prosecutor Karen McDonald commended the bravery of the victims who came forward, stating that their courage played a crucial role in preventing Levran from harming more individuals in the future. One victim, a 29-year-old woman, shared with Judge Yasmine Poles how her mental health had been profoundly impacted by the traumatic experience. She expressed that while the ordeal continues to haunt her, she now realizes that Levran holds no power over her anymore.
As Levran was escorted out of the courtroom in an orange prison uniform after his sentencing, the community of Pontiac grappled with the repercussions of his actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in cases of sexual assault and abuse, particularly when the perpetrators hold positions of trust and authority.
