Psychologist Edward Donner, convicted for child porn, has license restricted

October 8, 2008

In disciplinary proceedings against psychologist Edward Donner, the Wisconsin Psychology Examining Board issued an Order resulting in the following limitations being placed on his license: He may not treat a) female clients of any age, b) individuals under age 18, c) sexual trauma clients, d) clients with sexual compulsivity or sexual offense-related issues or e) family treatment that includes working with children.  According to the Board’s published information, “On July 25, 2004, [Donner], while at Six Flags Great America...was videotaping young women at the theme park without their consent.  [Donner] signed a form which said he was banned by Six Flags from returning to the park during 2004 and 2005 and which advised that if he was caught on the property, he could be charged with...Criminal Trespass.”  Mr. Donner returned to the park August 12, 2005 and was recognized by park security, who questioned him and found that he was again taking close-up shots of the breasts and buttocks of girls under 18.  On August 15, police met with Donner at his home.  A search of his home and computer uncovered adult pornography and pornographic images of girls who appeared to be under 18.  In September 2005, Donner was indicted by a grand jury and charged with six counts of possession of child pornography.  Following a jury trial, on July 20, 2006, he was found guilty of one charge.  He was sentenced September 16, 2006 to 30 months of probation, with terms that included, among other things, no internet access or possession of video cameras.  In April 2007, Donner violated the terms of probation when on two occasions, he was found by law enforcement officers to have been accessing the internet in his car via laptop computer with a wireless internet card.  He later admitted to accessing the internet numerous times this way, to having purchased pornographic material and accessed pornographic websites via the internet.  His probation was revoked and he served a 60-day jail sentence for violating the terms of his probation.  In addition to the aforementioned limitations placed on his license, Donner must notify clients that he is a registered sex offender; must have another staff person present in his office suite during the time he sees any client; he may not practice except under a Board-approved supervisor who will monitor his billings to determine the sex of the client and interview staff personnel to ensure Donner is complying with the aforementioned limitations.