A former chiropractor from Batavia, David Hanson, aged 44, admitted guilt to serious charges related to child sexual abuse material crimes. He confessed to producing and sharing such material involving individuals under 13. The legal proceedings took place on Thursday, where he stood accused of secretly filming at least 180 patients, including minors, who were nude or partially clothed.
Outside the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles, victims voiced their experiences. A woman named Jenna, who requested partial anonymity, shared that she and her daughter had trusted Hanson for three years. She expressed her dismay, saying, “We placed our trust in Dave Hanson, not only to care for our bodies, but to provide us with the privacy and dignity that we expect and deserve from every medical professional. And we now know that trust was horribly violated.” Victims requested anonymity to protect their identities.
Another victim conveyed her ongoing anxiety and feeling of insecurity when visiting doctors or using fitting rooms, fearing being secretly recorded. Legal action against Hanson includes 11 lawsuits representing more than 64 victims. After his arrest in November 2025, Hanson faced 76 counts of child sexual abuse material crimes and unauthorized video recording.
The charges describe how Hanson recorded patients during therapy sessions involving red-light and near-infrared light treatments. These illicit recordings were shared via Session, SimpleX, and Discord messaging platforms. The investigation by Batavia police began in September 2025 after a tip-off, leading to searches of Hanson’s home, clinic, and electronic devices. Hidden cameras were found in vents and fans at the clinic location.
The videos allegedly span from 2016 up until the day of Hanson’s arrest, November 5, 2025. His prior clinic, Hanson Family Chiropractic, was situated at 1928 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Attorney Elizabeth Fegan, representing some victims, suspects Hanson may have profited from selling the videos. If confirmed, further lawsuits could target financial institutions tied to the transactions.
Currently, the building owners where Hanson practiced face lawsuits, as it’s argued they should have been aware of the clandestine recording devices due to their access to the premises. Attorney Grant Dixon commended Kane County prosecutors but emphasized that justice is still being sought for all victims. He indicated there could be significantly more victims yet unidentified, stating, “I don’t think this (the plea) even begins to scratch the surface of what this man actually did.”
Licensed as a chiropractor since 2013, Hanson’s license is temporarily suspended amid the criminal proceedings. His sentencing is scheduled for November 10, potentially leading to a prison term of 12 to 60 years, contingent upon judicial discretion regarding extended sentencing. Hanson will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.