Cops: ‘Hobby Hypnotist’ Sexually Assaulted Woman

A local man has been charged with sexual assault after an extended family member reached out to him for help with a disorder.

Thomas Goodness, 59, of Concord, was arrested at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 14, and charged with three counts of sexual assault.

According to Lt. Timothy O’Malley, the commander of the criminal investigations unit within the Concord Police Department, the woman came to police in late August about the charges, alleging that Goodness was an extended family member and a hobby hypnotist that she had asked to help with “a particular disorder in the past and it had been somewhat successful,” according to a press statement.

On Aug. 27, the woman had a relapse and sought assistance again and went to Goodness’ home on Manor Road. The two went into a camper for the hypnotism.

“During the hypnotism the victim reported that Goodness rubbed multiple parts of her body above the clothing, to include her breasts and genitalia,” O’Malley alleged in the statement.

O’Malley stated that the victim was of the belief that Goodness thought she was under a hypnotic spell and she was afraid and uncomfortable with his actions but did not resist for fear of how Goodness would react. Goodness allegedly instructed the woman to touch herself “in a sexual manner to which she complied, again out of fear,” according to the report.

Goodness allegedly kissed grabbed her buttocks and kissed her, according to the victim.

“Throughout this event the victim was uncomfortable and wanted to cry,” according to police.

Detectives issued a search warrant and reportedly seized evidence in the case from his home, according to the report. As they were building the case, using statements from the victim, evidence wsa recovered to create probable cause to arrest Goodness, according to O'Malley.

Police issued the warrant yesterday and Goodness turned himself in to the police.

Goodness was released on $6000.00 personal recognizance bail and will be arraigned on Feb. 10, at the 6th District Division (Concord District Court), Concord. 

O'Malley said that detectives currently don't have any information that there are other victims. But Goodness has reportedly been practicing hypnotism for some time and there may be other assault victims. Anyone with information about any other assaults should call Concord Police at 63-225-8600.