A Batavia chiropractor, David Hanson, aged 44, admitted to secretly recording at least 180 nude or partially clothed patients, including children. He pleaded guilty to charges related to producing and disseminating child sexual abuse material involving children under 13. The offenses took place at his clinic in Batavia.
Victims who have initiated legal action against Hanson spoke outside the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles. Jenna, one of the victims, stated that she and her daughter were Hanson’s patients for three years. She expressed a deep breach of trust, given their expectations of privacy and dignity from a medical professional.
“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,” Jenna said. “And we now know that trust was horribly violated.”
Victims have maintained anonymity, requesting their full names not be published. Jenna emphasized that patients should not be exploited or commodified.
Another victim explained her resulting anxiety and insecurity in various everyday situations, such as visiting doctors or trying clothes in fitting rooms; she constantly worries about being secretly recorded.
Since Hanson’s arrest in November 2025, 11 lawsuits have been filed representing over 64 victims. Prosecutors charged Hanson with 76 counts related to child sexual abuse material crimes and unauthorized video recordings.
Investigations revealed Hanson recorded patients in clinic areas designated for red-light and near-infrared light therapy. Recorded videos were shared on messaging platforms such as Session, SimpleX, and Discord.
The investigation initiated in September 2025, after Batavia police received a tip about Hanson possessing child sexual abuse material. Hidden cameras were found within vents and fans, according to lawsuits filed by victims.
Attorney Elizabeth Fegan, representing some victims, suspects Hanson may have sold the illicit videos. If validated, this could lead to lawsuits against other entities such as payment processors and banks. The building owners that housed Hanson’s clinic are already facing lawsuits, accused of negligence in identifying the cameras due to their access to clinic premises.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Grant Dixon applauded the prosecutors’ work but highlighted that achieving complete justice for his clients remains ongoing. He estimated potentially hundreds more victims.
“I don’t think this (the plea) even begins to scratch the surface of what this man actually did,” Dixon stated.
Hanson has practiced as a chiropractor in Illinois since 2013. His professional license is currently under temporary suspension, contingent on the criminal case resolution. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 10, where Hanson faces 12 to 60 years in prison. An extended-term sentencing could apply, and he must register as a sex offender for life.