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Former Sioux Falls Therapist Sentenced to Five Years for Sexual Assault of Patient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – “Forced physical contact by a person in a position of power is always sexual assault,” states Michelle Trent, Executive Director at The Compass Center. This unmistakable declaration sets the stage for a recent case that has shaken the Sioux Falls community and the mental health profession at large.
Roy Conrad, a 60-year-old former counselor from Sioux Falls, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual penetration by a psychotherapist. The sentencing, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, saw Conrad immediately taken into custody.
The case highlights the severe breach of trust and abuse of power that can occur within therapeutic relationships. Judge Rachel Rasmussen emphasized during the sentencing that the law protects those in vulnerable positions, stating that consent is “not a defense” under the charges Conrad faced.
“What’s so wrong about this particular offense, under our law, is that a counselor is in a position of trust,” said Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman. “In this case, the doctor manipulated and exploited a lot of those vulnerabilities that this victim presented with.”
The victim, whose identity is protected, provided a statement detailing Conrad’s actions, which began with inappropriate touching and escalated to what she described as “assault multiple times a week.” Conrad had allegedly claimed these actions were meant to help the victim with her fear of physical touch.
As part of his sentence, Conrad is prohibited from contacting the victim or her family and must pay over $7,700 in restitution. A psychosexual evaluation conducted before sentencing recommended that Conrad not practice as a therapist, especially with female clients.
Professional Stance on Ethical Practice
Michelle Trent, Executive Director of The Compass Center, a local organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence, offered a strong professional perspective on the case:
“This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and represents a disgrace to the mental health profession. The trust between a therapist and client is sacred, and any violation of that trust is not only illegal but deeply unethical. At The Compass Center, we are dedicated to ensuring that we support our clients with the highest level of ethics and professionalism. This case serves as a stark reminder of why stringent ethical guidelines exist in our field and the devastating consequences when they are ignored.”
Trent continued, “We want to assure the community that the vast majority of mental health professionals uphold the highest ethical standards. The Compass Center is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all our clients, and we will continue to advocate for and uphold the ethical practices that are fundamental to healing and recovery.”
Supporting Victims and Breaking the Silence
Our first priority is ensuring that victims of sexual assault feel supported and empowered. We recognize that swiftly overcoming silence is the first step towards justice and healing. By speaking out, survivors not only begin their own healing process but also help protect others from potential harm.
“We commend the courage of the victim in this case for coming forward,” said Trent. “Their bravery in speaking out has not only led to this conviction but also sends a powerful message to other survivors that they are not alone and that their voices matter.”
We encourage any individuals who have experienced similar abuse to reach out for support. Remember, the assault is never the victim’s fault, and there are resources available to help you through the healing process.
About Sexual Assault by Psychotherapists
Sexual contact between therapists and patients is considered a form of sexual assault under South Dakota law, regardless of perceived consent. This recognition stems from the significant power imbalance inherent in the therapeutic relationship. Patients seeking mental health support are often in vulnerable positions, making it impossible for true consent to exist in such situations.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault by a therapist or other healthcare provider, support is available. Contact The Compass Center at (605) 339-0116 for confidential assistance. Your voice matters, and speaking out can be a powerful step towards healing and preventing future assaults.
Media Contact:
Michelle Trent, Executive Director
The Compass Center
(605) 339-0116
