Jonathan Wilhelm

Key Points

• Jonathan Wilhelm, a Bozeman-based chiropractor, faces serious allegations of sexual abuse from two women, including an Olympic athlete.

• Lawsuits claim misconduct during treatment sessions, raising concerns about patient safety and trust.

• Wilhelm was cleared by a sports oversight body, but civil lawsuits remain unresolved, creating uncertainty.

• No evidence of financial fraud or criminal charges exists, but reputational damage is significant.

• The controversy highlights the need for transparency and accountability in healthcare.

Introduction

We have undertaken a detailed investigation into Jonathan Wilhelm, a chiropractor based in Bozeman, Montana, whose professional reputation has been challenged by serious allegations of sexual abuse. Our goal is to provide a thorough and balanced report that examines Wilhelm’s background, the accusations against him, his business ventures, and the broader implications for consumer protection and trust in healthcare. By analyzing open-source intelligence (OSINT), legal documents, media coverage, and professional affiliations, we aim to shed light on this complex case while prioritizing accuracy and fairness.

Methodology

Our approach combines multiple investigative techniques to ensure a comprehensive analysis:

• OSINT Analysis: We collected data from public sources, including professional profiles, social media, and news articles, to build a complete picture of Wilhelm’s activities.

• Legal Document Review: We examined court filings and related legal materials to understand the scope and status of lawsuits against Wilhelm.

• Adverse Media Scrutiny: We reviewed news reports and online content for negative or controversial information, focusing on credibility and context.

• Business and Association Mapping: We assessed Wilhelm’s professional ventures and networks to identify any undisclosed relationships or conflicts.

• Risk Assessment: We evaluated potential risks to consumers, the chiropractic profession, and Wilhelm’s reputation based on our findings.

All information was cross-verified with credible sources, and we approached unverified claims with caution to maintain ethical standards.

Personal Profile: Who Is Jonathan Wilhelm?

Jonathan Wilhelm is a chiropractor and the founder of Pro Chiropractic and Pro Physio, a network of clinics in Bozeman, Montana, specializing in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Born in Circle, Montana, and raised in Bozeman, Wilhelm pursued pre-medical studies at Montana State University before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Atlanta and Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. Graduating in 2004, he ranked at the top of his class and received commendations for clinical and academic excellence.

Wilhelm holds several certifications, including Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP®), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP). In 2012, he earned a Master’s Degree in Sports Science and Rehabilitation (MS-SSR), making him one of the few chiropractors in Montana with this advanced training. His work with athletes has included roles as a team physician for Montana State University and medical staff for international events, such as the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, and the 2022 Olympics in Beijing with Team Great Britain.

Wilhelm’s clinics emphasize patient-centered care, leveraging advanced technology and a team of over 20 professionals across five locations. He has been recognized for his contributions, notably as the 2018 ACA Sports Council Sports Chiropractor of the Year, and is active in community outreach, including volunteer work and philanthropy.

Business Ventures: Pro Chiropractic and Pro Physio

Jonathan Wilhelm established Pro Chiropractic in 2004, shortly after graduating, with his wife, April. The business expanded rapidly, adding Pro Physio in 2006, a physiotherapy and spinal decompression clinic, followed by additional locations in Manhattan (2012), Bozeman (2015), and other Montana areas. Today, the clinics employ over 20 staff members and focus on sports medicine, rehabilitation, and general chiropractic care.

The business model emphasizes three pillars: highly trained providers, advanced diagnostic and treatment technology, and exceptional patient care. Wilhelm’s clinics have partnered with Montana State University and served high-profile clients, including athletes from USA Gymnastics, USA Track and Field, and USA Bobsled and Skeleton. No public records indicate financial distress or mismanagement, and the clinics appear stable and operational as of April 15, 2025.

However, the lack of detailed financial disclosures about the clinics’ operations raises questions about transparency, a common concern in healthcare businesses. While no evidence suggests financial impropriety, the ongoing lawsuits could impact the clinics’ reputation and client trust.

Suspicious Activities and Red Flags

The most significant concerns surrounding Jonathan Wilhelm are two civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse during chiropractic treatments. These allegations represent serious breaches of professional ethics and patient trust, warranting close examination.

Aja Evans Lawsuit (2023)

In September 2023, Aja Evans, a 2014 Olympic bobsled bronze medalist, filed a lawsuit in New York state court against Wilhelm, his Pro Chiropractic clinic, USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The lawsuit claims that Wilhelm sexually abused and harassed Evans over nearly a decade, from 2012 to 2022, during treatment sessions. Specific allegations include inappropriate touching and groping without medical justification, behavior reportedly known among USA Bobsled athletes as Wilhelm’s tendency to “go for the adductor” (inner thigh muscles) regardless of injury.

Evans further alleged that Wilhelm recorded videos and took photographs of athletes, including herself, in various states of undress without consent at the USOPC training facility in Lake Placid, New York. A 2017 complaint filed by Evans and a teammate about this behavior was dismissed by USOPC and USA Bobsled without formal investigation, according to the lawsuit, which accuses these organizations of fostering a “culture of silence” that enabled Wilhelm’s actions.

Brett McMillan Lawsuit (2024)

In January 2024, Brett McMillan, a Bozeman nurse and cosmetic injector, filed a second lawsuit against Wilhelm. McMillan alleges that Wilhelm sexually assaulted her in 2022 while treating an injury he had caused during a prior session, suggesting intentional harm to gain access to her body. This lawsuit reinforces the pattern of alleged misconduct raised by Evans and amplifies concerns about patient safety at Wilhelm’s clinics.

SafeSport Investigation

The U.S. Center for SafeSport, an independent organization tasked with addressing abuse in U.S. Olympic sports, investigated Wilhelm for two years following the allegations. In August 2024, SafeSport cleared Wilhelm, finding no evidence of violations and imposing no sanctions (SafeSport Clearance). While this outcome may support Wilhelm’s defense, it does not resolve the civil lawsuits, which operate under different standards of proof.

Other Red Flags

• Lack of Transparency: Wilhelm’s clinics do not publicly disclose detailed financial or operational data, which, while not unusual, could conceal potential conflicts of interest or mismanagement.

• Prior Complaints: The Evans lawsuit references earlier complaints against Wilhelm that were not acted upon, suggesting possible oversight failures by affiliated organizations.

• Industry Context: Chiropractic care, particularly in sports, involves close physical contact, making robust safeguards against misconduct essential. The allegations highlight vulnerabilities in this setting.

Legal Entanglements: Lawsuits and Allegations

The two lawsuits against Wilhelm are the focal point of this investigation, with significant implications for his career and the chiropractic profession.

Aja Evans Lawsuit

• Filing Date: September 20, 2023

• Court: New York State Court, Essex County

• Defendants: Jonathan Wilhelm, Pro Chiropractic, USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, USOPC

• Allegations: Sexual abuse and harassment over a decade, including inappropriate touching, unauthorized recording, and failure of oversight by sports organizations.

• Status: Ongoing as of April 15, 2025, with no public resolution reported.

• Source: Levy Konigsberg

Brett McMillan Lawsuit

• Filing Date: January 8, 2024

• Court: Not specified in available records (likely Montana state court)

• Defendant: Jonathan Wilhelm

• Allegations: Sexual assault in 2022 during treatment, following an intentional injury caused by Wilhelm.

• Status: Ongoing as of April 15, 2025.

• Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicle

SafeSport Investigation

• Duration: Two years, concluding August 2024

• Outcome: Wilhelm cleared of wrongdoing, no sanctions imposed.

• Implications: The clearance suggests insufficient evidence under SafeSport’s standards, but civil lawsuits continue, indicating unresolved disputes.

• Source: SafeSport Clearance

Other Legal Records

No criminal charges, sanctions, or bankruptcy filings were found against Wilhelm or his businesses as of April 15, 2025. Public records searches, including court databases, returned no additional legal issues beyond the mentioned lawsuits.

Adverse Media and Negative Reviews

Media coverage of Wilhelm has shifted dramatically since the allegations surfaced. Prior to 2023, reports focused on his professional achievements, such as his Olympic roles and industry awards (Pro Chiropractic). Since September 2023, however, major outlets have covered the lawsuits extensively:

• ESPN (2023): Reported on Evans’ lawsuit, highlighting allegations of abuse and organizational failures (ESPN Report).

• The Athletic (2023): Detailed Evans’ claims of inappropriate touching and recording (The Athletic).

• Bozeman Daily Chronicle (2024): Covered McMillan’s lawsuit, noting the growing scrutiny on Wilhelm (Bozeman Daily Chronicle).

• Local Montana News (2023–2024): Outlets like KBZK and Helena Independent Record reported on both lawsuits, emphasizing community impact (KBZK News).

No consumer complaints or negative reviews were found on platforms like Yelp or RateMDs, possibly due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the focus on legal proceedings rather than public reviews. The absence of such feedback does not negate the lawsuits’ impact but reflects the case’s unique context.

Consumer Protection and Financial Fraud Risk Assessment

The allegations against Wilhelm raise critical questions about consumer protection and professional accountability in chiropractic care.

Consumer Protection Risks

• Patient Safety: The claims of sexual abuse represent a severe breach of trust, potentially deterring patients from seeking chiropractic care. Sports medicine, with its physical demands, requires stringent safeguards to prevent misconduct.

• Transparency: The failure of sports organizations to act on prior complaints, as alleged in the Evans lawsuit, highlights the need for clear reporting mechanisms and accountability.

• Industry Standards: The case may prompt calls for enhanced regulations, such as mandatory background checks or patient consent protocols, to protect vulnerable clients.

Scam and Fraud Risks

No evidence suggests financial scams or fraud by Wilhelm or his businesses. Pro Chiropractic and Pro Physio appear financially stable, with no reports of deceptive practices or billing irregularities. The focus remains on the misconduct allegations rather than financial concerns.

Criminal Activity

As of April 15, 2025, Wilhelm faces no criminal charges related to the allegations. The lawsuits are civil, and SafeSport’s investigation found no basis for sanctions, indicating no criminal findings under their purview. However, the civil nature of the cases does not preclude future legal developments.

Financial Fraud Indicators

Public records show no signs of bankruptcy, liens, or creditor issues for Wilhelm or his clinics. The businesses’ longevity and partnerships with reputable organizations suggest financial health. The lawsuits, however, could lead to financial strain if settlements or legal costs arise.

Reputational Risks

The allegations have significantly damaged Jonathan Wilhelm’s reputation, transforming him from a celebrated chiropractor to a figure embroiled in controversy. Key risks include:

• Loss of Trust: Patients and athletes may hesitate to seek treatment from Wilhelm or his clinics, fearing similar misconduct.

• Professional Isolation: Affiliations with sports organizations, once a strength, are now liabilities as these groups face scrutiny for their handling of complaints.

• Media Amplification: Ongoing coverage by major outlets ensures the allegations remain in the public eye, prolonging reputational harm.

• SafeSport Clearance: While helpful, the clearance does not fully restore Wilhelm’s standing, as civil lawsuits and public perception continue to challenge his credibility.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Increase transparency through public statements or independent audits of clinic practices.

• Strengthen patient safeguards, such as chaperones during treatments or enhanced consent processes.

• Engage with community stakeholders to rebuild trust through ethical practices.

Associations and Networks

Wilhelm’s professional and personal connections provide context for his influence and the allegations’ impact.

Professional Associations

• USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation: Wilhelm served as a medical staff member, where the Evans allegations originated. The lawsuit criticizes the organization’s inaction on prior complaints.

• USOPC: Wilhelm’s roles in the 2018 and 2022 Olympics elevated his profile but now draw scrutiny for oversight failures.

• International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS): Wilhelm held leadership roles, including Chair of the Student Commission, and served as an instructor.

• American Chiropractic Association (ACA): Recognized Wilhelm’s contributions, but the allegations may strain this relationship.

• Montana State University: As a team physician, Wilhelm’s work with athletes is now questioned.

Personal Connections

• April Wilhelm: Wilhelm’s wife and co-founder of Pro Chiropractic. No controversies are linked to her, and she remains active in the business.

• Bozeman Community: Wilhelm’s philanthropy and local involvement, including volunteer work, have bolstered his reputation, though the lawsuits may erode this goodwill.

Undisclosed Associations

No evidence suggests hidden relationships with questionable entities. The cybercriminal.com link provided ([invalid url, do not cite]) lacks credibility and makes unverified claims about Wilhelm, which we could not substantiate. The chiropractic industry’s occasional ties to unregulated practices warrant vigilance, but no specific concerns apply to Wilhelm beyond the lawsuits.

Bankruptcy and Financial Health

Public records show no bankruptcy filings, liens, or financial distress for Jonathan Wilhelm or his businesses. Pro Chiropractic and Pro Physio operate multiple locations, employ a sizable staff, and maintain partnerships with reputable organizations, indicating stability. The lawsuits pose a potential financial risk if settlements or legal costs escalate, but no current indicators suggest insolvency.

Expert Opinion: Conclusion

Jonathan Wilhelm’s case is a sobering reminder of the fragility of trust in healthcare. The allegations of sexual abuse, brought by two women including an Olympic athlete, have cast a long shadow over his once-stellar career. While the U.S. Center for SafeSport cleared Wilhelm of wrongdoing, the ongoing civil lawsuits and media scrutiny suggest that the matter remains unresolved. The absence of criminal charges provides some context, but the gravity of the accusations demands continued attention.

For consumers, this case underscores the importance of researching healthcare providers, verifying credentials, and advocating for safe treatment environments. For the chiropractic profession, it highlights the need for robust oversight, clear reporting channels, and ethical standards to protect patients. Wilhelm’s clinics continue to operate, but their future depends on addressing these allegations transparently and rebuilding public confidence.

As the legal process unfolds, we urge stakeholders—patients, athletes, and regulators—to prioritize accountability and safety. This investigation reflects the complexities of balancing professional achievements with serious accusations, and we remain committed to monitoring developments to ensure clarity and fairness.

References

• Levy Konigsberg: Sexual Abuse Claims Against USA Bobsled

• ESPN: Olympic Medalist Sues US Bobsled Team Doctor

• Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Second Woman Accuses Chiropractor

• The Athletic: Aja Evans Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

• SafeSport Clears Dr. Jon Wilhelm

• Pro Chiropractic: Dr. Jon Wilhelm Profile

• KBZK News: Second Woman Alleges Assault

• Helena Independent Record: Olympic Bobsledder Lawsuit

• France24: US Bobsledder Sues Team Doctor

• Deadspin: Aja Evans Accuses Trainer

• ZEX PR Wire: Pro Chiropractic Celebrates Wilhelm

• Billion Success: Interview with Dr. Jon Wilhelm

• Florida Chiropractic Association: Jonathan M. Wilhelm

• RateMDs: Dr. Jonathan Wilhelm Reviews

• Pro Physio: Jonathan Wilhelm Profile