STRATFORD — A Connecticut chiropractor has been charged with assault for allegedly electrically shocking a female employee who had spoken negatively about other workers in the office.

William DeAngelo, head of the Neuro-Spinal Center in Stratford, was charged Thursday with third-degree assault and remains free on a promise to appear in court.

The Connecticut Post reports that the woman told police she was ordered to lie face down on a table while DeAngelo delivered high-intensity electric shocks to her back until she cried to “teach her something” for bad-mouthing others.

The woman sought treatment at a hospital for back strains.

DeAngelo told police he had received several complaints about the woman from patients.

When reached by the newspaper, DeAngelo said he was with a patient and could not talk.