CALIFORNIA
Santa Cruz Sentinel
By Jason Hoppin
Santa Cruz Sentinel
SANTA CRUZ — A child psychologist accused of molesting his patients was rearrested this week after prosecutors expanded their case against him.
John W. Visher, 56, abused four victims as far back as 2001, prosecutors allege. He was first arrested at his La Selva Beach home in September based on complaints from a 9-year-old girl, and this week saw several new counts added involving three more underage victims.
“The defendant has engaged in a decade-long (if not longer) campaign of utilizing his position of power and control to molest the children he was supposed to be counseling and helping,” prosecutor Michael Gilman wrote in court papers. …
According to court papers, Capitola police investigated Visher in 2001 and 2005, though neither resulted in charges. County Child Protective Services also investigated the 2001 case, which involved a 5-year-old boy.
Due to statutes of limitations, none of the charges involve the 2001 case. Authorities have contacted that victim, who reportedly confirmed and added to the original report.
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