Dr. Thomas Tyma Sentenced to 60 Days in Jail for Sexually Assaulting Patients

Dr. Thomas Tyma was led away from court in handcuffs this morning after a judge sentenced him to 60 days in jail, a year of house arrest and six years of probation for touching former female patients inappropriately. 

Common Pleas Court Judge Donna Jo McDaniel pronounced the sentence after hearing testimony from Tyma's family and three female victims.

In March, McDaniel found Tyma guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault and 16 counts of harassment on women who were examined at Allegheny North Arthritis Center in Wexford, UPMC Passavant and Jameson South in New Castle, Lawrence County.

Tyma's attorney, William H. Difenderfer, said he was "very relieved and pleased with the sentence. It could have been worse."

He said he is exploring options now and "most likely will file an appeal."

McDaniel spoke sternly to Tyma before sentencing.

"Thomas Tyma, you have hurt so many people," McDaniel said, as she referred to his family and patients.

The judge said she found it particularly offensive that he targeted women who were vulnerable. 

During the trial, victims told the court of their painful physical and emotional conditions as well as personal tragedies that were affecting their lives at the time they were touched inappropriately by Tyma.

As a victim finished her testimony today, McDaniel told Tyma that his "antics" in the courtroom were not helping him. She later explained that Tyma had been shaking his head and acting "dismissive."

"Your attitude in this trial and sentencing did not make this court think you are a good person," the judge said.

At the start of today's proceedings, Tyma's daughter Meredith, son Alex and wife Cathy told the judge of their support for him in voices that were barely audible in the cavernous courtroom.

"The family stands by him. ... I stand by him," Meredith Tyma testified.

"He is a family man through and through," Alex Tyma said. "He is my father, my mentor, my personal hero."

Dr. Cathy Tyma described her husband as "the most respectful man I have ever known. ... a devoted husband and father ... beloved by his patients."

The three victims who testified painted a picture of a doctor they trusted who caused them shame and embarassment. Other victims seated in the courtroom chose not to speak.

One victim who spoke with the media after the sentencing, Gina Joseph-Smiley, said she was "very happy he got what he deserved." (Patch usually does not publish the names of sexual assault victims, but Joseph-Smiley gave permission for her name to be used.)

During the trial and sentencing, Joseph-Smiley lamented that she waited a year to come forward and report Tyma.

She described herself as a health-care professional and pharmaceutical sales person who serviced Tyma's office. For 15 years she worked as a social worker who talking to people about sticking up for themselves and doing what is right, she said.

Joseph-Smiley said she was Tyma's patient for 10 years and nothing inappropriate happened until her last visit.

Fear of not being believed, of losing her job and health insurance kept her from reporting the offense, she said.

Once she saw five women had stepped forward to report assaults, she said she thought she would be believed.

The victims testified that they felt shame and embarassment.

McDaniel told them there was no reason to feel that way, "You did nothing wrong."

The first victim to testify said her health-care information—which she thought was confidential—is now part of court records that are open to the public.

When she signed the complaint against Tyma, she gave up her privacy, she said.

Because of the case, she had to go through the shame and embarassment of revealing the assault to her husband and children, she said. Also, she had to reveal her lupus diagnosis to colleagues and co-workers and she said she felt they treated her differently afterward.

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