Competency trial of child psychiatrist William Ayres starts today; charged with lewd acts on children

June 6, 2011

The competency jury trial for once-prominent San Mateo child psychiatrist William Ayres on molestation charges is set to begin Monday and last two weeks.

The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is retrying Ayres, 79, on charges of fondling seven male patients. A mistrial was declared in July 2009 when the jury deadlocked on all charges.

Ayres is charged with nine counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14.

He allegedly molested seven teenagers during counseling sessions between 1991 and 1996.

Prosecutors believe he also molested more than 30 other victims on occasions that are now beyond the statute of limitations.

Source: Mike Aldax, "William Ayres competency trial begins," San Francisco Examiner 'Law & Disorder' blog, June 6, 2011.