Trial date set for psychiatrist Joseph Jurand on sex assault charges

June 3, 2013

An Oct. 15 trial date has been set for a Jefferson County (W. Virginia) psychiatrist who was indicted by a county grand jury in April on felony sexual assault and abuse charges in a case involving a 15-year-old girl, Assistant Prosecutor Hassan Rasheed said Wednesday.

Joseph Anthony Jurand, 60, of 6145 Shepherdstown Pike in Shenandoah Junction, W.Va., is charged with two counts of sexual assault in the third degree and one count of sexual abuse, according to court records.

Jurand, who has an office in Shepherdstown, W.Va., was arrested April 13 following an investigation by Detective Tracy Harrison of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

Jurand, who is out on bond, was arraigned April 29 in Jefferson County Circuit Court.

The victim’s mother filed the complaint against Jurand, according to court records.

The victim met Jurand a few years earlier because “she had an interest in psychiatry,” according to court records.

The defendant began giving the girl gifts, including CDs, chocolates, a stereo and a laptop, according to court records. The investigation also showed that he sent texts and emails about himself to the victim saying he was on the verge of divorcing his wife.

The alleged assaults occurred in Jurand’s home, according to court records.

Jurand is being represented by Martinsburg, W.Va., attorney B. Craig Manford.

Source: Richard F. Beslisle, "Trial date set for Jefferson County psychiatrist on sex assault charges," Herald-Mail, May 8, 2013.