A trusted healer sentenced for abusing patients under the guise of treatment

Mark Scarlato, a 50-year-old former physical therapist with Corewell Health in the Grand Rapids area, was sentenced to 3 to 15 years in prison on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Scarlato pleaded no contest to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to Sue Kuzee, court clerk in Judge Mims' office.

Investigators say Scarlato sexually assaulted a patient multiple times during therapy sessions in 2025. He carried out the assaults under the false pretense of performing "internal pelvic massages," according to court records and reporting from multiple outlets.

The courtroom moment that defined the case

Scarlato broke down in court before the sentence was handed down. The judge told him his victim would carry a sentence far longer than his time behind bars.

"Mark Scarlato broke down in court before being sentenced to prison. The judge told him his victim would carry a sentence far longer than his time behind bars."

That quote was reported by both mlive.com and WZZM13, which covered the sentencing from Grand Rapids District Court.

How the abuse unfolded

According to investigators, Scarlato used his position as a physical therapist to gain access to vulnerable patients. He then exploited that trust by performing sexual acts on a patient while claiming the contact was part of legitimate medical treatment.

The assaults took place during therapy sessions in 2025. Corewell Health is a major health system operating across the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

What we know about the case

  • Defendant: Mark Scarlato, 50, of Kentwood
  • Employer: Corewell Health (former)
  • Charge: One count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct
  • Plea: No contest
  • Sentence: 3 to 15 years in state prison
  • Sentencing date: June 24, 2026
  • Judge: Judge Mims
  • Location: Grand Rapids District Court

The broader impact

The case raises questions about how health systems monitor therapist-patient interactions and what safeguards exist to prevent abuse of power in clinical settings. Physical therapists hold a unique position of trust. Patients are often in vulnerable physical and emotional states during treatment.

Scarlato's Michigan physical therapy license number is 5501011386, according to public licensing records.

The case continues to draw attention from patients and advocates who say more needs to be done to protect vulnerable people in healthcare settings across West Michigan.