67-year-old former psychologist arrested for sexually assaulting a teen patient

August 11, 2017

Daniel Affrunti, a former Farmington, CT psychologist, aged 67, is accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old former patient with whom he had an ongoing relationship. The victim told officers that the incident happened at Affrunti's office. An investigation that began in September 2015 when the victim came forward to police was closed in November 2015 when the victim then chose not to press charges. During that investigation, Affrunti's license to practice in Connecticut lapsed and he chose not to renew it. In June of this year, the same victim revealed to detectives that she had been involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with Affrunti in 2016. Police said it happened after the initial investigation had been closed. Police corroborated the victim's portrayal of the relationship which showed that the victim was still emotionally dependent on Affrunti. Affrunti was arrested; he surrendered to Farmington police on Wednesday. He is due back in court on September 6.

The victim, through her attorney, said she is "immensely grateful to law enforcement for their work on this case and hopes that by coming forward, no other patient will have to endure the trauma she suffered." 

SOURCE: Rob Polansky, "Former psychologist accused of sexually assaulting teen patient," WFSB, Channel 3 Eyewitness News, 9 Aug 2017, http://www.wfsb.com/story/36097495/former-psychologist-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-teen-patient-with-whom-he-had-relationship