Psychiatrist Christopher Palacios, accused of assault, rape over Red Sox tickets, released on bail

February 29, 2012

MARBLEHEAD — A judge said a local psychiatrist was dangerous but could be released on bail pending conditions yesterday after he was arrested on rape charges earlier in the week.

In Lynn District Court yesterday, bail was set for 36-year-old Salem Hospital psychiatrist Christopher Palacios at $5,000 on condition that he maintain his employment, report weekly to probation, stay away from weapons, remain sober and not contact victim or her family.

Palacios was arrested on Wednesday by Marblehead police, which was the day the alleged incident occurred. The victim said the problem started on Tuesday night with a verbal argument that she said partially revolved around Red Sox tickets. The victim said Palacios "hit her on the side of the head with his hand and kicked her in the leg" Tuesday night, according to police reports.

The next morning around 7 a.m., Palacios insulted her before a physical altercation occurred that resulted in her being raped, she said.

Palacios, in a statement to police after his arrest, denied the assault and rape charges.

Police documented bruises on the victim's lip, leg and arm, which the victim said were from the confrontation with Palacios. He claimed he was not the source of those bruises and that she may have done them to herself, in a statement to police.

Palacios acknowledged a verbal argument had occurred but told police after his arrest that the victim had likely made up the story and said he had never physically or sexually assaulted her. He said, in fact, that she had pushed him on Tuesday night.

Palacios has worked as a psychiatrist at Salem Hospital since 2005.

"Given the nature of the allegations the North Shore Medical Center has placed Christopher Palacios on administrative leave pending an investigation," said spokesperson Jean Graham.

Source: Michael Phillis, "Local psychiatrist released on bail," Salem News, February 25, 2012.