June 20, 2013 | Sex & Society

'Ex-gay' therapist guilty of sexual assaults on clients

A Minnesota-based 'therapist' has been sentenced to jail time for sexually assaulting some of his male clients. Pastor Ryan Jay Muehlhauser had promised to help the men fight their homosexual urges (apparently using his cock as a magic wand!). He even told his victims that their sexual encounters with him were "blessings."

The 55-year old Isanti County pastor was first charged in November 2012 with eight counts of felony, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with two adult males seeking spiritual counsel. Muehlhauser pleaded guilty in February, and has just been sentenced to 160 days in jail under a plea agreement. He will also be registered as a sex offender and be on probabtion for 10 years. 

Muehlhauser performed his version of therapy through Outpost Ministries. The group's website say that "Outpost was formed over 30 years ago to meet the needs of men and women making the decision to break away from gay life. We strive to deal with individuals as whole persons, not merely sexual beings." I guess Muehlhauser didn't get that particular memo ...

During sentencing, the judge admitted he would have given a harsher punishment if he could have. "If the state sentencing guidelines allowed, I would send you straight to prison without the blink of an eye," he said. "Sir, you are a criminal, and these are sexual criminal acts you performed. And what’s most egregious about this, is these were young men struggling with their own sexuality and spirituality and you took advantage of both. I can’t think of a more egregious offense than that."

“My failures have brought pain, confusion, anger and damage into many people’s lives,” Muehlhauser said. “I failed in my role as a pastor, mentor, husband, father and friend. I have betrayed the trust of so many people. To my victims and their families, I’m so, so sorry for the ways I hurt them, and I ask them to please forgive me.”

What a sad, sad man.

Former Isanti County pastor sentenced for criminal sexual conduct [The Post Review]