Otter Tail County prosecutors have charged 69-year-old former Fergus Falls physician Dr. Zvi Levran with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, alleging he had sexual contact with at least two underage high school hockey players during medical exams between winter 2014 and spring 2016. Levran is scheduled for his first Minnesota court appearance in Otter Tail County on Monday, Feb. 9. These Minnesota charges follow a high-profile criminal case against him in Michigan last year.
According to KFGO, Otter Tail County has filed two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and four counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, tied to incidents that allegedly occurred between winter 2014 and spring 2016. The outlet reports that some alleged victims only contacted Minnesota investigators after Levran’s Michigan conviction became public last year.
Michigan conviction and sentence
Before the Minnesota charges were filed, Levran entered no-contest pleas to a total of 28 counts in Oakland County Circuit Court in Michigan. According to an Oakland County Prosecutor news release, those counts stemmed from four separate cases and included multiple third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges. A judge later sentenced him to 10 to 25 years in prison in that Michigan case, and the prosecutor’s office described the pleas and sentence as providing a measure of accountability for victims.
Local ties and response
Levran’s connection to Fergus Falls runs through Lake Region Healthcare. The health system confirmed that he worked through Lake Region Medical Group beginning in late 2011, and that his last day with the organization was June 29, 2018. The system told local reporters it does not comment on personnel matters and directed anyone with concerns to its patient-relations office, according to InForum.
What the charges mean
Under Minnesota law, third-degree criminal sexual conduct can carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years, and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct can carry up to 10 years. Convictions can also lead to predatory-offender registration requirements and other long-term legal consequences. The degree of the offense depends on factors such as the age of the victim and whether the accused held a position of authority. The legal definitions and penalties are outlined in Minn. Stat. § 609.344 and Minn. Stat. § 609.345.
What’s next
Levran is due back in Otter Tail County Court on Monday, Feb. 9, when the judge is expected to address arraignment, bail, and pretrial scheduling. Investigators have said they are open to hearing from anyone who may have information related to the Minnesota allegations, and authorities will remain the primary source of updates as the case moves through the courts. As reported by Fergus Now, anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact investigators.
