(02/01/06) MORRISTOWN ? Police have arrested a 72-year-old Morristown drug counselor and accused him of molesting men involved in treatment programs.

Investigators say Terence Lynch pretended he was a doctor and performed hernia tests on recovering addicts. According to police, Lynch also punished addicts who tested positive for drugs by spanking their bare buttocks. Lynch is a convicted sex offender who spent seven years in jail for fondling a teen boy.

Police can?t understand how Lynch got a job at the Beginnings recovery center with his criminal background. Additional information on the matter could not be obtained from Beginnings representatives. Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello says the center?s owner knew Lynch had a criminal background, but didn?t investigate to find out any specifics. Cresitello says background checks will be required in the future for counselors.