California psychiatrist convicted of assault now has two lawsuits filed against him

September 4, 2017

Dr. Dirk de Brito, a psychiatrist in Pasadena, California, was recently convicted of assault and making criminal threats against his children's nanny and a former employee who have now each filed a civil lawsuit against the doctor.

He was originally charged with with two felony counts of assault and one count each of making criminal threats, interfering with a communication device, having a concealed firearm and exhibiting a firearm.  As part of a plea deal, he pleaded "no contest" to assault by means of force and making criminal threats, both misdemeanors. He was sentenced to three years summary probation and ordered to attend a 52-week anger management program.

The doctor maintains he never physically harmed the two women.  They have now both filed civil lawsuits against him. 

SOURCE: Stephanie K. Baer, "Pasadena psychiatrist convicted of assault, making criminal threats faces next challenges," Pasadena Star-News, 2 Sep 2017, http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/general-news/20170902/pasadena-psychiatrist-convicted-of-assault-making-criminal-threats-faces-next-challenges.