A Queensbury psychiatrist had his medical license suspended for 6 months for allegations of “gross incompetence” and “moral unfitness.”

As seen in the Post Star oif Warren County in Australia

A Queensbury psychiatrist had his medical license suspended for 6 months last week after the state Department of Health brought a disciplinary case against him for allegations of “gross incompetence” and “moral unfitness.”

Dr. Koock E. Jung, who operates Psychotherapy Center on Bay Road in Queensbury, will also spend 3 years on probation after the suspension is lifted, according to the Department of Health. The suspension takes effect June 29.

The Department of Health website showed Jung admitted he “could not successfully defend against” at least one of a group of charges that included allegations he committed “gross negligence gross incompetence negligence on more than one occasion incompetence; on more than one occasion harassing, abusing or intimidating a patient physically or verbally; engaging in moral unfitness; failing to maintain accurate patient records; and revealing personally identifiable facts, data or information without the prior consent of the patient.”

Among the allegations was inappropriate physical contact with female patients and prescription of medications that were beyond his licensing ability, according to one woman who made a complaint against Jung. Jung denied the accusations Tuesday and said he did not admit any wrongdoing related to sexual contact. He said any physical contact he had with patients was for legitimate medical or examination purposes. He blamed the case on a group of disgruntled former employees, one of whom he had remove her shirt so he could examine her for pneumonia. He said some of them told “lies” because they were angry about a “pay scale” dispute.

Other patients wrongly interpreted examinations he did to check their hearts for problems related to medication they were prescribed, he said. “Some of these women sexualize anything,” he said.

The prescription charge related to prescribing Xanax to a person with “serious anxiety,” Jung said.

He said he suffers from Lyme disease that has limited the use of his hands, so he may decide to retire instead of getting his medical license reinstated. Jung accepted the state’s disciplinary action instead of facing an evidentiary hearing that could have led to him losing his medical license. The hearing was scheduled for last week, and the notice of discipline was posted Monday.

A Queensbury woman was among the dozen or so women, many of them victims of sexual abuse, who sought help from Jung. She said they were prepared to testify at the disciplinary hearing last week. She spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the nature of the allegations. She said Jung engaged in “inappropriate touching” and inappropriate conversations with her and others with whom she discussed the case.

Bangor psychiatrist ordered to stop treating women

As reported by the Bangor Daily News

A Bangor psychiatrist must stop treating women after allegedly developing an unprofessional relationship with a female patient, according to a state medical licensing board.

Dr. Fred Risser may treat only men and must submit to independent monitoring of his practice to ensure he meets prescribing and recordkeeping standards, his May 12 consent agreement with the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine states.

While a 30-year-old female was his patient in 2009 and 2010, Risser drove the woman to the pharmacy in his personal vehicle, advocated for her while she was in jail, deposited money into her jail bank account, stored her personal property at his home and allowed her access to his home while he was away, according to the agreement. Risser treated the patient at his private practice in Bangor and at Community Health and Counseling Services in Ellsworth.

In June 2013, Risser met with the licensing board and agreed to take classes in boundaries and professionalism, medical ethics, recordkeeping and the use of medications to treat psychiatric disorders. He also agreed to transfer the patient to another psychiatrist, the agreement states.

In April 2014, Community Health and Counseling warned Risser about prescribing tranquilizers to patients on opioid replacement medications, a combination that raises the risk of overdose and death.

Then in May 2014, a 51-year-old patient he treated in Ellsworth told the board Risser slapped her on the buttocks while escorting her up the stairs to an appointment.

Community Health and Counseling fired Risser in May 2014 for unprofessional conduct, according to the agreement. In signing the consent agreement, Risser neither admitted nor denied the allegations but acknowledged the board had enough evidence to determine the alleged incidents occurred if the issue were to proceed to a formal hearing. He must reimburse the board $4,344 for the cost of the investigation.

In other words, he did it.

Edward Hallowell, noted Boston area psychiatrist, charged with indecent assault

report from Boston's Channel 5

A noted specialist in the fields of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is facing charges related to the alleged groping of a woman.

Dr. Edward M. Hallowell, who was in Waltham District Court on Monday for a hearing on the charge of indecent assault, is accused of squeezing the buttocks of a makeup artist last October. Hallowell, a psychiatrist and instructor at Harvard Medical School, was videotaping an interview in Watertown. The woman, whose name was redacted from the police report, filed the charges about a month after the alleged incident.

She said that Hallowell put his hand on her shoulder and touched her. "He followed my shape and he took his time," the police report says.

When interviewed, police said he called the incident a "terrible misunderstanding." “My client has a long and distinguished record in his field," said William Crowe, Hallowell's attorney. "It was not his intention to offend anyone and he is troubled his actions were perceived in any way as inappropriate. We are confident that Dr. Hallowell will be cleared and this matter will be resolved in his favor," Crowe said.

Hallowell is the founder Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Sudbury.

Former Halifax psychiatrist charged with child pornography offence

Vis the Global News

A former psychiatrist in Halifax is facing a child pornography charge in relation to a case that’s more than a decade old.

Dr. Curtis Steele, 82, was charged with making child pornography after police launched an investigation last year to look into claims he had taken naked pictures of a 14-year-old female patient.

Steele was arrested on Thursday after he turned himself in at the police station.

He was released under conditions and will appear in court on June 16.

Child molestation case against child psychologist Kenneth McPherson is moving out of limbo

From the Augusta Chronicle (See the link for a photo)

Psychologist Kenneth McPherson, 58, was named in two indictments that accuse him of committing acts of child molestation in 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2011. McPherson has pleaded not guilty in Richmond County Superior Court.

Since 2011, the criminal cases have been placed on trial calendars but later postponed. In January, Assistant District Attorney Rex Myers and attorney Kirk Gilliard presented an order to Chief Judge J. Carlisle Overstreet to put McPherson’s cases on the dead docket because the prosecutor could not find several necessary witnesses.

Although the order was signed and dated Jan. 12, it wasn’t filed with the clerk’s office until Wednesday, when a motion requesting the cases be removed from the dead docket was also filed. According to the motion filed by Assistant District Attorney Natalie Paine, the witnesses have been located and interviewed.

Although McPherson wasn’t indicted until 2011, parents of some of his patients warned authorities that something was wrong in 2005. The mothers of two boys reported inappropriate sexual behavior that the children said they learned at McPherson’s office. But one of the boys was unable to communicate with a forensic child interviewer, and the second child’s statement was not thought to be strong enough to file charges.

In early 2011, however, more specific allegations were brought forward and sheriff investigators obtained search warrants for McPherson’s Central Avenue office. Investigators reported finding sexually explicit materials and a photograph of a child dressed only in underwear that had been taken in the office.

McPherson was indicted June 7, 2011, on seven counts of child molestation and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Overstreet, who is assigned to preside over the case, granted McPherson’s release on a $200,000 bond Aug. 16, 2011.

McPherson was licensed in 1990 in Georgia to practice psychology. His license expired Dec. 31, 2012, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Utah Child Psychiatrist David Wilson Now Faces Criminal Charges Related to Child Pornography. Has Lost Job, License Revoked

From the Standard Examiner

David Ford Wilson, 43, is charged with 15 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He entered not guilty pleas to the charges on July 16, 2014.

At a Hearing today, Judge Scott Hadley scheduled a hearing for oral arguments on May 8.

Wilson was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, with assistance from the FBI in 2013, officials had said.

In late March of 2013, Intermountain Healthcare’s information system security department found that Wilson’s computer was being accessed to download and view child pornography. He was immediately terminated and the incident was reported to police.

Detectives served a search warrant for Wilson’s hard drive and after a forensic analysis, which can take a lengthy amount of time, he was arrested on Sept. 6, 2013.

Wilson was an osteopathic physician as well as an child psychiatrist for Weber County. The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing revoked his license to practice medicine and prescribe drugs. A panel of three doctors reviewed the case and made an emergency motion to suspend Wilson. McKay-Dee Hospital also released a statement in 2013 that said there is no evidence that any of Wilson’s patients were at risk.

Jerusalem psychiatrist arrested for sexually assaulting and molesting patients for five years

As Reported in the Israeli site MyNet. (English text via Google Translate)

Neve Yaakov presented himself as a psychotherapist being anxious couples, a patient suspected of having committed indecent acts and other women. During interrogation he claimed that he did things without any sexual connotation

Haredi attending a patient suspected of defilement and indecent assault in patients more. The suspect, a resident of Neve Yaakov 44, was arrested this week by the Jerusalem Central Unit for suspected molesting his patients and even slept with one of them. According to the allegations, he hired an ultra-Orthodox organization treatment rooms located in Givat Shaul and there probably carried out his scheme.

The affair began a few weeks ago, then Jerusalem Central Unit received a complaint of ultra-Orthodox woman who claims that within the last treatment with the suspect is committed indecent acts. Among other things, she told the woman that he would sit her on it and pat it under your clothes. Immediately after receiving the complaint, the police began investigation. The researchers, led by Chief of youth exposure, Superintendent Golan Meiri, came another woman who claimed that he touched her vagina.

The suspect claimed during questioning that is anxious couples psychotherapist parity problems but deals mainly with individual women. He rented a room in the structure of the ultra-Orthodox Associations Givat Shaul where he received the women. It is suspected that he had treated this way Orthodox women for five years. Police point out that he used to sexually exploit the Mtoflotio significant number of cases.

Even before his arrest, trial proceedings against him took place in the Haredi community in so-called ‘Forum Regulation. Apparently the procedure did not produce fruit, and that’s what made the first complainant to contact the police. Near the police made the arrest raid on where the organization operates, and from there were taken additional evidence supporting the allegations. However, police point out that the organization itself has no connection to the event and there is no suspicion of its abnormal behavior.

In his interrogation, the suspect claimed that everything was carried out as part of treatment and without any sexual connotation. Police continue to investigate, among other things, trying to get other complainants and check the credentials required to perform treatments such as those committed by the suspect.

Doylestown Psychiatrist Basem Shlewiet Sentenced to Prison for Fondling Patients

As seen in the Doylestown-Buckingham-New Britain Patch

A Doylestown psychiatrist convicted of fondling seven female patients during treatment will serve seven to 17 years in state prison.

Basem Shlewiet, 43, a Buckingham resident, was sentenced Monday by Judge Wallace H. Bateman,

In October, a jury found Shlewiet guilty of 16 of 18 criminal counts, including indecent assault and unlawful conduct with a minor.

Shlewiet was arrested in late 2014 after a nine-month investigation that began when Doylestown Borough Police received reports from women who said they had been touched in a sexual way during treatment at Shlewiet’s North Franklin Street office.

Initially, two of the victims told authorities that Shlewiet touched their breasts and another victim, who was 17 at the time, told authorities he touched her vaginal area. After his arrest, five more victims came forward saying Shlewiet had also inappropriately touched them.

The week-long trial included testimony from former patients, coworkers and character witnesses.

Shlewiet was represented by defense attorney Louis Busico.

Psychiatrist arrested on the probability that he inappropriately touched one of his patients.

From the Sentinel newspaper out of Nouth Brunswick, New Jerseyu

A psychiatrist at a behavioral health center in Edison was arrested on Oct. 17 on the belief that he inappropriately touched one of his patients.

The suspect, Chowdhury M. Azam, a 54-year-old Monmouth Junction resident, was charged with criminal sexual contact, a fourth-degree crime. Criminal sexual contact is described in the state legal code as "intentional touching by the victim or actor, either directly or through clothing, of the victim's or actor's intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or sexually gratifying the actor."

The arrest was made the same day the alleged victim filed a report with the Edison Police Department. Following the filing, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crime/Child Abuse Unit and the Edison Police Department embarked on a joint investigation, eventually leading to Azam's arrest.

Azam has been a licensed psychiatrist with Compass Behavioral Health, located on Pierson Avenue. According to authorities, it is alleged that the psychiatrist inappropriately touched one of his patients on one occasion. The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners, the regulatory agency that licenses medical professionals, was informed of Azam's arrest.

According to police, Azam has been released on $50,000 bail set by Municipal Court Judge Craig Coughlin.

Authorities have not released details regarding the alleged victim's age or gender.

Authorities are currently seeking more information about the matter. Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or incidents similar in nature, is encouraged to contact Investigator Raj Chopra of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit at 732-745-3600, or Detective Michael Michalski of the Edison Police Department at 732-248-7525 anytime day or night.

Woman describes alleged abuse by psychiatrist

From a Report in the West Australian

A 62-year-old woman has described freezing with fear as her psychiatrist sexually abused her during a session for post-natal depression in the 1970s.

Former psychiatrist Alan John Stubley, 80, is on trial in Perth Supreme Court accused of forcing sex offences against two of his female patients in the mid-late 1970s.

One of the alleged victims today told the jury the doctor had abused her on her first face-to-face session after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital where Dr Stubley had treated her for post-natal depression.

She said she had been shocked when the doctor told her to sit on his knee.

“It was just a terrible silence and then he repeated it (in a tone that) was very authoritative, quite demanding,” she said.

“He put his hand on my leg and he rubbed his hand up my leg and between my legs.

“I just froze, I was just so afraid. I was afraid of him and what he might do to me.

“I said I didn’t want to do this.”

Prosecutor Alan Troy said Dr Stubley had abused his position by taking advantage of his patient’s vulnerability in the pursuit of his own sexual gratification.

He said the two women submitted to the sexual contact because they had felt intimidated.

Mr Troy said one of the victims, who continued seeing the doctor for decades, had feared that no-one would believe her if she spoke out at the time about the alleged abuse.

“She had recently been in a psychiatric hospital and she didn’t think anyone would believe her,” Mr Troy said.

Mr Troy said she also feared she would be put in an institution if she did not continue to see him.

Defence lawyer Mark Trowell said the sex between his client and the women was consensual and there had been no intimidation.

“This is not a court of morals…he may well have acted unprofessionally as a doctor but that doesn’t make him guilty of criminal charges,” Mr Trowell said.

Psychiatrist arrested

As reported in the Edison/Metuchen Sentinel

Apsychiatrist at a behavioral health center in Edison was arrested on Oct. 17 on the belief that he inappropriately touched one of his patients.

The suspect, Chowdhury M. Azam, a 54-year-old Monmouth Junction resident, was charged with criminal sexual contact, a fourth-degree crime. Criminal sexual contact is described in the state legal code as "intentional touching by the victim or actor, either directly or through clothing, of the victim's or actor's intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or sexually gratifying the actor."

The arrest was made the same day the alleged victim filed a report with the Edison Police Department. Following the filing, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crime/Child Abuse Unit and the Edison Police Department embarked on a joint investigation, eventually leading to Azam's arrest.

Azam has been a licensed psychiatrist with Compass Behavioral Health, located on Pierson Avenue. According to authorities, it is alleged that the psychiatrist inappropriately touched one of his patients on one occasion. The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners, the regulatory agency that licenses medical professionals, was informed of Azam's arrest.

According to police, Azam has been released on $50,000 bail set by Municipal Court Judge Craig Coughlin.

Authorities have not released details regarding the alleged victim's age or gender.

Authorities are currently seeking more information about the matter. Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or incidents similar in nature is encouraged to contact Investigator Raj Chopra of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit at 732-745- 3600, or Detective Michael Michalski of the Edison Police Department at 732-248- 7525 anytime day or night.

Psychiatrist charged with touching patient inappropriately

As seen in this report from Middlesex County in New Jersey

An Edison psychiatrist has been charged with criminal sexual contact after he allegedly touched one of his patients inappropriately, authorities said Tuesday.
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Chowdhury M. Azam, 54, is accused of touching the patient on one occasion and was arrested on Friday, Oct. 17, after the alleged victim reported the incident to Edison police, Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said in a news release.

The Monmouth Junction resident is a licensed psychiatrist at Compass Behavioral Health on Pierson Avenue in Edison, the prosecutor said.

Edison police received the complaint on Friday and investigated with the Sex Crime and Child Abuse Unit in Kaplan's office before arresting Azam.

Probable cause for the complaint against him was the statement of the alleged victim, Kaplan said. The news release did not specify where and when the alleged incident occurred, nor did it indicate the age of the victim.

Azam was released on $50,000 bail. Kaplan's office said it has notified the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners of the arrest.

Reached by phone Tuesday evening, Azam said he had been advised by his attorney not to speak about the case.

"The only thing I can say about this is that I'm not guilty and that this is a false allegation,'' he said. "That's all.''

He referred all other questions to his attorney, Steven D. Altman, who is based in New Brunswick.

Kaplan said anyone with information about this investigation, or similar incidents is encouraged to contact Investigator Raj Chopra of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit at 732 745-3600, or Detective Michael Michalski of the Edison Police Department at 732-248-7525.

William Hamilton Ayres Watchdog Site

We now have a blog devoted to tracking the declining career William Hamilton Ayres

William Hamilton Ayres is a "noted" former child psychiatrist who now stands accused of molesting many young boys over the course of his long career. For those not familiar with the case, click on career milestones below the mugshot.

William Hamilton Ayres

Career Milestones

Great Background Article!

Another Good Background Article

Ayres' California Medical License

2003: Ayres Sued - Confidential Settlement

04/06/2007: Arrested

04/12/2007: Prohibited from practicing.

04/13/2007: In Jail Again.

07/24/2008: Trial in January 09

William Ayres: Unmitigated Gall

Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping...

Child psychiatrist pleads guilty to sexual assault of young relative

A report from Grand Rapids, Michigan

A child psychiatrist has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault involving a young relative.

Carlos Alberto Marcano, 59, of Byron Township, will be sentenced Sept. 24 in Kent County Circuit Court on counts of first-degree and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Police earlier said he had confessed to sex abuse that happened between 2005 and 2007.

He was a psychiatrist with Pine Christian Mental Health and Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, but the incidents had no connection to his work.

Marcano entered the plea the day he was set for trial.

Psychiatrist accused of sexually assaulting patient

As reported by the Post Crescent, out of Appleton, Wisconsin.

An Affinity Behavioral Health psychiatrist has been suspended from his position after he was charged this week with sexual exploitation by a therapist.
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Charles D. Morgan, 62, of Neenah, charged Monday in Winnebago County Circuit Court, faces a maximum penalty of 12½ years in prison and a $25,000 fine if convicted.

Morgan is due back in court July 10 for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the case to trial.

He sexually assaulted a 27-year-old woman, whom he had been treating for bipolar disorder the past two years, according to a criminal complaint.

The woman told police she was admitted to Mercy Medical Center on June 17 to receive electronic convulsive therapy. Morgan came into her room June 18 and gave her hug.

She said he came into her room again on June 19, kissed her and told her he did it "because I like you." Morgan kissed the woman again on June 20 and told her she needed to keep it confidential, the complaint said.

The woman told Morgan she wanted a different psychiatrist on June 21. Morgan arranged to meet the woman at his Oshkosh office once she was discharged from the hospital.

At the office, the woman and Morgan were sitting on a couch when he began kissing her and having inappropriate sexual contact with her, the complaint said.

Ex-patient sues psychiatrist over sex abuse

From a report in the Calgary Herald

A city psychiatrist barred from practising medicine is facing a lawsuit from a former patient accusing him of "professional negligence and sexual abuse."

On Monday, the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons announced it had revoked Jeremy Roberts' licence to practise. A hearing found he'd had an inappropriate relationship with a patient that included sexual activity. The woman was not identified.

The patient's $250,000 lawsuit was launched independently from the college's investigation into Roberts' conduct.

The statement of claim says the woman went to see Roberts for treatment of anxiety, marital stress and postpartum depression.

The woman had two young children and was still married when she first visited Roberts in January 2003.

Ten months later, the woman alleges in the statement of claim, she and Roberts had sex in his office. They married in July 2005.

It was only when the woman was hospitalized for harming herself, the statement of claim says, that she revealed the secret relationship.

The woman makes allegations of negligence, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract against Roberts.

None of the accusations have been proven in court.

The woman accuses Roberts of getting involved in an intimate relationship when he should have known she "was inherently incapable of properly consenting to the sexual involvement."

The woman is claiming a series of injuries, including intense shame and guilt and an eating disorder.

In a statement of defence, Roberts denies he was the cause of his wife's troubles.

In late summer of 2003, the woman disclosed she had feelings for him and alleges he told her the same, according to the statement of claim.

But in the statement of defence, Roberts says he encouraged the patient to stay with her husband.

It also says the psychiatrist was "lonely, isolated, vulnerable and depressed following the breakup of his first marriage in 2001."

Roberts says he no longer considered her a patient in late 2003.

The statement of defence does not address when the two started their sexual relationship.

The statement of defence denies the woman came to any harm -- and says if she did, it was due to her pre-existing condition, and not because of Roberts.

"Dr. Roberts' treatment of the plaintiff was timely, skillful, competent, careful and appropriate," the statement of defence says.

"Dr. Roberts accurately diagnosed the plaintiff's conditions and provided a timely and appropriate treatment plan for them."

The woman, according to her claim for damages, said she had to keep the relationship secret. That meant she could not seek other treatment, the claim says.

Roberts became erratic during their marriage, says the claim, which accuses him of abusing the stimulant Dexidrine.

The woman began suffering "suicidal ideations," and cut herself. She was hospitalized for two months in November 2005.

"Despite the terror, shame and guilt she experienced, and the belief that she may drive (Roberts) to commit suicide, she disclosed her relationship with (Roberts) and sought medical help," the claim says.

The statement of defence, however, says it was Roberts who disclosed the relationship.

Although his licence has been revoked in Alberta, Roberts is still licensed to work in Ontario.

On Monday, a spokeswoman with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario said it will look at the facts of the case before determining if any action will be taken in its jurisdiction.

But one group wants disciplinary actions to be more swiftly adopted by other colleges.

The president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women said she doesn't believe medical bodies are doing enough to protect patient safety.

"It's our recommendation that there be mechanisms within each of the jurisdictions which would enable them to accept this kind of disciplinary action on the face of it without having to launch their own investigation," Leslie MacLeod said.

In November 2005, Newfoundland psychiatrist James Hanley was suspended in that province pending an investigation into allegations he'd had sex with a patient.

But despite that suspension, Hanley worked for 15 months in New Brunswick.

A spokeswoman with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta said every professional body in North America is notified of any disciplinary action against any physician.

Kelly Eby said the Alberta College has the power to suspend a physician who holds a licence in this province but is facing disciplinary action in another jurisdiction.

Psychiatrist accused of Child Molestations has Prostate Cancer

We do not wish this psychiatrist ill. We merely wish for his rapid and full recovery so that he is fully capable of serving the prison sentence he so richly deserves.

Dr. William Ayres, a prominent San Mateo child psychiatrist charged with molesting seven former patients, had his trial date postponed more than three months today because the 76-year-old psychiatrist has prostate cancer.

"He is receiving intense radiation," said Ayres' attorney, Doron Weinberg. "It's interfering with his normal mental and physical functions. It would be difficult for him to undertake a trial at this point."

Ayres, free after posting $750,000 bail, was diagnosed in the fall with cancer and began radiation therapy in January, Weinberg said. Ayres' prognosis was unknown, he said.

"It's an aggressive cancer, but it's also an aggressive treatment," the attorney said.

Ayres' trial had been scheduled to start March 10 in San Mateo County Superior Court. The new trial date is June 23.

The former president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is charged with molesting seven boys between 1988 and 1996. The boys were 8 to 13 when they were molested, prosecutors say.

More than 30 men have accused Ayres of molesting them as boys, authorities have said, but most of those cases are too old to prosecute under state law.

Ayres estimated he had seen about 2,000 patients during 40 years of practice in San Mateo County, including many referred to him by the county's juvenile justice system, its court-appointed attorney program, pediatricians and social workers.

Patients who have accused Ayres of molestations say he told them to undress during sessions in his private office, then fondled them.

Ayres maintains his innocence. Weinberg has said the psychiatrist was conducting legitimate medical exams, and he questioned the credibility of the former patients, including one who is an inmate San Quentin State Prison.

Three of the former patients Ayres is charged with molesting came forward after Ayres' arrest had been widely publicized, and the mother of one asked if there was money involved in raising allegations, Weinberg said.

The defense is trying to have an appellate court throw out evidence that police obtained using search warrants for Ayres' patient records. Ayres' attorneys argue that the doctor's records were legally protected from seizure.

Judge John Runde of San Mateo County Superior Court, who approved the search warrants, rejected the defense argument in December. The issue is now pending before the First District Court of Appeal.

Psychiatrist Faces Sex Charges

A Report from Channel 12 in Cincinatti, Ohio

A local psychiatrist faces allegations he had improper sexual relations with underage patients.

A Hamilton County Grand Jury today indicted Leo Dsouza on four counts of gross sexual imposition. Prosecutors say all four victims were minors. The alleged incidents happened between 2001 and October of 2005.

Dsouza is the subject of two civil lawsuits, both filed in 2006. Each claims he inappropriately touched minor male patients under his care. One patient was 12 years old at the time... that case is set to go to trial in March. In the other lawsuit, Dsouza is accused of ordering an 8 year old boy to undress so he could be examined for sexually transmitted diseases. That lawsuit is set to go the trial in April.

Here are links to our earlier reports on this psychiatrist.

• More Information on Psychiatrist under investigation
• Another man sues psychiatrist over sexual molestation

The Strange Case of Marek Jantos

On November 18, we published a story from Adelaide Now regarding the case of Marek Jantos.

We have recently receive an email asking that the story be pulled, together with PDF copies of letters offered as evidence that details of the story were horrendously false with regard the matter of sexual misconduct. This was verified with a PDF copy of a letter from the Crown Solicitor who stated in part that "it was not the Registrar's case, nor a finding of the board, that Mr Jantos had been engaged, in any way, in sexual misconduct"

We note that the South Australian Psychological Board still lists Marek Jantos as having received disciplinary action. The reason stated on the government website is "Guilty of gross professional negligence, malpractice and misconduct." This makes us quite curious, and we feel it would be worthwhile to report on the actual reason for the Board's action. We imagine that there were several points of negotiation in order to get an order that Mr. Jantos could live with.

Seeing as they are in Australia, and we are in the USA, it might be difficult to serve us with a lawsuit. That said, and to be fair, we will work to replace any false information with true information regarding the cancellation of his registration. We will probably be contacting the newspaper and agencies involved in order to get more accurate data.

We supply a copy of the legal documents in question here:

Psychologist who evaluated sex offenders resigns over child pornography

Seen in the American Chronicle. As the seamy side of psychiatry becomes more well-known, practitioners are starting to get nervous.

A psychologist in North Dakota who conducted sex offender evaluations for the state has resigned over a self-admitted child pornography compulsion. Joseph Belanger had run the state's Sexually Dangerous Individual (SDI) civil commitment program. In that capacity, he evaluated sex offenders and testified in court that they were sexually dangerous and should remain hospitalized.

It was unknown what triggered the investigation against Dr. Belanger, but Homeland Security officials recently seized his home computer, according to the Forum newspaper in Fargo, ND.

Dr. Belanger had worked for the state hospital for more than 20 years.

He is at least the second forensic psychologist this year to be tarnished by accusations of sexual deviancy.

In July, prominent forensic psychologist Stuart Greenberg killed himself after being arrested on suspicion of voyeurism; he had allegedly secretly videotaped a woman in his office bathroom. Greenberg was known for his expertise in child custody evaluations, but he was also a consultant for the Archdiocese of Seattle in sex abuse cases.

In addition to their connections with the burgeoning sex offender industry, another commonality in these cases in that both men allegedly used modern technology to further their deviant interests - Greenberg using a concealed video camera and Belanger using the Internet.

[...]

What is relevant to the field of forensic psychology, however, is that the revelations will likely cause scrutiny of cases in which the two men were involved as expert psychologists. This scrutiny is already occurring in Greenberg's case, with parents protesting unfavorable child custody court decisions that were based in part upon his opinions. In King County (Seattle), the presiding judge anticipated a flurry of legal challenges to cases in which Greenberg was a court-appointed evaluator. Although Greenberg's arrest would not be sufficient to reopen a case, a parent could argue bias if Greenberg's custody recommendations hinged on a parent's sexuality. Similar challenges by civilly committed sex offenders evaluated or treated by Belanger in North Dakota can be anticipated.

[...]