Oakland County Judge Calls Ex-Youth Hockey Doctor A 'Monster' During Sentencing

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — A former Oakland County sports doctor will serve at least 10 years in prison for sexual abuse.

Zvi Levran, 68, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 25 years in prison after pleading no contest in mid-March to 28 counts of criminal sexual conduct involving 13 victims.

He must also register on Michigan’s sex offender registry for life.

The sentence was issued after three victims made impact statements to the judge about the trauma they endured because of Levran’s abuse.

"I never considered that he might be doing this to kids. If I did, I don't think he'd be here before us today. I'm so sorry I didn't speak up. I could have prevented this from happening to other people. I just didn't know," one victim said, WXYZ reported. "For him to be so patient and methodical and willing to relocate for so long... I just... that's a monster."

Prosecutors said Levran spent more than 20 years providing medical assistance to youth hockey programs in Michigan and Minnesota.

Prosecutors said he worked with several youth hockey teams, including the Farmington United Hockey team, St. Mary's Preparatory High School in West Bloomfield Township and Novi High School.

Prosecutors also said some of the assaults happened inside Levran's Oakland County home, where he invited patients for private yoga therapy and medical sessions that eventually went too far.

He was initially charged in 2022, when he sexually assaulted a 19-year-old boy during a medical exam. After that charge, prosecutors said 13 other victims came forward.

Some accusers said that Levran groped their genitals during sports physicals when they were teenagers. One man said that he was asked to strip naked and do jumping jacks, The Detroit News reported.

Levran apologized in a statement to the court, saying he regrets his actions, which he said were a result of "poor judgment," Fox 2 Detroit reported.

"The most important thing is remorse," he said. "I want to express that remorse to all the victims, and I can't say how sorry I am to all the victims. At night, I pray to God because he is the only one who knows."

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Yasmine Poles, however, showed no sympathy in her sentencing, calling Levran a "monster," characterizing his behavior as "sociopathic."

Levran is still facing similar charges in Minnesota. Prosecutors believe he will be extradited to that state at some point, although the timeline is unclear. They also believe there are more victims in Michigan and said more charges could be announced if those victims come forward.

"Zvi Levran exploited his position as a trusted caregiver to abuse patients, including children," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald said. "He now will be made to account for his crimes. It’s never easy for sexual abuse victims to tell their stories. The courage of the victims who came forward against Levran helped prevent this predator from abusing future victims. Our community is safer because of their bravery."