A number of young, beautiful women who sought treatment at one of the 20 drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers owned by Community Recovery are speaking up about their experiences at the centers. One former patient claims the founder, Christopher Bathum, supplied her with drugs, while another claims Bathum was sexually aggressive with her. Several have filed suit against Bathum, who denies all of the allegations and is countersuing the women for libel.
ABC News’ 20/20 interviewed some of the women and — separately — Bathum, who is not a licensed drug counselor or therapist. Bathum, who according to LA Weekly pleaded guilty to mail and wire fraud charges in 2002, tells ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman that he is a victim of identity theft and he vows to fight back against his accusers. In 2015, Community Recovery reportedly made $30 million in revenue. LA Weekly also reveals that Bathum is being investigated by several agencies including the FBI, LAPD, L.A. County District Attorney, and the California Department of Health Care. ABC 20/20 airs Fridays at 10pm on ABC.
