Michigan psychologist sentenced for sexual relationship with patient

March 12, 2018

Michigan psychologist Joseph Jeney, 64, was sentenced to six months in jail, followed by two years of probation, after admitting he had a sexual relationship with a patient.

In January, he pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop two other counts of the same charge.  Michigan law bans mental health professionals from having sexual contact with patients "during or within (two) years after the period in which the victim is his or her client or patient." The victim's consent "is not a defense" to prosecution, according to the statute.

Jeney agreed to permanently surrender his license to practice psychology two days after he was arraigned on the charges in September, according to records from the state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

SOURCE: Christopher Haxel, "East Lansing psychologist sentenced for sexual relationship with patient," Lansing state Journal, 9 Mar 2018, https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2018/03/09/east-lansing-psychologist-sentenced-sexual-relationship-patient-joseph-jeney/409972002/.