Thursday, July 17, 2008

Woman files suit against psychiatrist boyfriend after crime spree.

As reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A former Cedarburg woman who along with her psychiatrist boyfriend led police on a cross-country chase has filed a lawsuit against him alleging medical malpractice because the two began a sexual relationship while she was his patient.

Darcy J. Bogenrief, 43, alleges in the lawsuit filed in Ozaukee County Circuit Court that she sought treatment in late 2001 or early 2002 from former Thiensville psychiatrist Lyndon K. Steinhaus, 48, the two began a sexual relationship later in 2002 and he continued to be her doctor and prescribe medication for her until at least December 2006.

Steinhaus’ “conduct was negligent and in violation of the standards of care” prescribed in state law, the lawsuit alleges.

According to the lawsuit, Bogenrief “sustained severe physical, mental and emotional injury” and “loss of earning capacity and has incurred medical and related expenses in the past” and will continue to do so.

Steinhaus’ medical insurer and a state risk-sharing fund for health-care providers also are named in the lawsuit.

Bogenrief, a Marquette University Law School graduate who formerly practiced law in Illinois, and Steinhaus are each charged in Ozaukee County with misappropriating Steinhaus’ ex-wife’s identity.

They used it to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards and buy jewelry as revenge for her seeking child support, according to a criminal complaint.

They were arrested in November 2006 in Gillette, Wyo., where Steinhaus was employed as a child psychiatrist after years of practicing in Ozaukee and Washington counties, and charged with one felony count of identity theft. Steinhaus also was charged in Wyoming with 27 misdemeanor counts of illegally prescribing drugs to Bogenrief.

After posting bail in Wyoming, the pair led police on a two-week cross-country spree that included trashing a South Dakota motel room; crossing into Canada, where Bogenrief was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving; posting bond in Montana by leaving behind a BMW car; and finally being arrested in Brownsville, Tenn., when they stopped at a check cashing store to get an advance on a federal income tax refund, according to authorities and court records.

Steinhaus served nine months in jail in Gillette and then was extradited to Ozaukee County. He was freed after posting $10,000 bail and now lives in Kewaskum while awaiting trial, according to online court records. He is next due in court on July 23.

According to Wyoming court records, Bogenrief was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

She is free on a signature bond. She lives in Gillette and is under treatment there, according to court records. She is due in court Oct. 7.

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