HARRISBURG – Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today announced the arrest of a former State College area psychologist following an investigation into allegations that he had inappropriate sexual relationships with two patients and fraudulently billed their insurance companies for services he never performed.
According to the criminal complaint, Dr. Richard Lenhart, 53, 293 Homan Ave., State College, used the guise of treatment to sexually assault two female patients under his care. Lenhart maintained a private practice located at 137 S. Pugh St., State College.
The charges state that Lenhart prescribed “touching therapy” for the women, which included touching and holding the patients. The therapy allegedly included stroking, sexual contact and rubbing of genitals.
Additionally, from January 2008 through Nov. 4, 2011, Lenhart allegedly submitted insurance claims for his treatment practices using a code that would indicate he was rendering proper psychology services and treatment.
According to the criminal complaint, Lenhart submitted nearly 700 claims for more than $71,500.
Lenhart is charged with one count of aggravated indecent assault, one count of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, one count of sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault, two counts of insurance fraud, two counts of theft by deception and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Special Agent Doug Hilyard at 717-787-0272.
Kane thanked the State College Police Department for its assistance and work on the investigation.
The case will be prosecuted in Centre County by Chief Deputy Attorney General Laura Ditka of the Office of Attorney General’s Criminal Law Section and Senior Deputy Attorney General Mark Bellavia of the Office of Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section.