Chiropractor with sex assault history permanently banned from treating patients

A Victoria chiropractor with a history of sexual assault has been banned from practice after he asked a patient to lie about whether a chaperone was present during her appointments, according to the College of Chiropractors of B.C.

Michael Buna was convicted about a decade ago of sexually assaulting three patients, but he was allowed to return to work in 2012 on the condition he have a chaperone in the room for all appointments with female patients.

According to a notice posted by the college last week, Buna recently admitted he did not abide by that condition.

Buna lied to the college, according to the notice, and also asked a patient lie on his behalf, the college says.

The college cancelled Buna's registration on June 11 and says he will not be eligible to apply for reinstatement.

Buna was suspended from practice in January when the college launched an investigation into his activities. At the time, the regulator said there was "a real risk to the public" if he was allowed to continue seeing patients.

Criminal history

The chiropractor's legal and professional troubles date back to 2005, when the first sexual assault charge was laid against him.

More charges were approved after Victoria police set up a confidential tip line specifically dedicated to Buna.

During his trial, a provincial court judge heard that Buna had fondled breasts, caressed buttocks, lain across a patient's chest and pressed his groin against her, according to court documents.

He received a conditional sentence and the college reprimanded him, barred him from practice for two years and required him to pay $38,738 in investigation costs.

One of the victims later filed suit against Buna, claiming the assault led to anxiety, depression and grief. Buna filed a handwritten response that was just four lines long, alleging the woman had "false memory syndrome."

He eventually settled with the victim out of court.

Buna declined to comment when reached by phone Thursday. His website and Facebook page continue to advertise chiropractic services.