Former Santa Barbara County psychologist going to trial for sex crimes

From this report on KSBY channel 6 in California

The case against a former Santa Barbara County psychologist accused of sex crimes will go to trial.

Fernando Cordero faces 12 felony counts, including rape, as well as two other misdemeanor counts. There are seven alleged victims so far.

On Monday, Judge Zel Canter raised Cordero's bail to $1.1 million dollars.

Fernando Cordero has had a psychology license since 1990. He most recently worked at Santa Barbara County Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services. Now, he will stand trial to see if he abused that power.

Once believed to be a trusted doctor in the country, Fernando Cordero now will stand trial for the alleged rape, sodomy, and forced oral sex against former patients and even a former student.

An Allan Hancock College spokeswoman confirmed the former court appointed psychologist taught courses there. That included human sexuality, psychology, and race and ethnic relations, from Spring 2005 and Fall 2007.

This news, a shock to education student, Heather Brown.

"It's really creepy, to know that there's a teacher here that could possibly be doing that kind of stuff," Brown said. "It's kind of scary, but I'm glad I wasn't in his classes."

Deputies arrested Cordero at his Orcutt home back in November. With seven alleged victims so far, district attorney Ann Bramsen isn't ruling anything out.

"I think there's a potential for more victims, and I hope if there are, that they call the Sheriff's Department and come forward and report because it's very important that we stop him from any future victims," Bramsen said.

A sheriff's spokesman says many of his patients at Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services were afraid of reporting Doctor Cordero for fear of not being believed, going to jail, or being deported.

"I hope that we have justice for the victims," Bramsen said.

That answer, soon to be left to a chosen jury.

Action News was unable to reach Cordero's attorney today. However, in previous interviews with Action News, Michael Scott says his client is a "well respected professional" and hopes that he does return to his practice.

Cordero remains in custody. He will appear in court next week on a bail hearing.