Louisiana "school counselor" sentenced to 30 years prison for child rape is actually licensed psychiatrist

August 4, 2011

A former Ascension Episcopal School counselor will spend 30 years behind bars for raping a 14-year-old female student who went to her for in-school guidance.

U.S. District Judge Richard Haik sentenced Dr. Allison Hargrave, 40, of Lafayette, to 30 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release.

Haik told Hargrave during her sentencing Wednesday evening that he strongly considered putting her in jail for the remainder of her life.

"I wanted to, but I just couldn't justify it," Haik said. "Thirty years is a long, long time, Ms. Hargrave."

Haik, who also ordered Hargrave to pay $279,454 in restitution to the victim, had harsh words for Hargrave.

"You manipulated, and you played the game," Haik said. "And you lost."

During the sentencing, Haik told Hargrave he would recommend she be placed in a prison facility where she can get "serious medical treatment for a serious problem you have."

In March, Hargrave pleaded guilty in federal court to the crime of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Hargrave, wearing a bright pink Iberia Parish Jail inmate jumpsuit, solemnly walked out the courtroom after Haik sentenced her. She did, however, apologize for her actions earlier in the sentencing.

Hargrave, who was a counselor and yoga instructor at the school, began counseling the 14-year-old female victim during spring 2009. Haik sharply criticized Hargrave on Wednesday for taking advantage of the student, who went to Hargrave for help with depression and suicidal feelings.

"You will survive," Haik told Hargrave. "I pray to God that young lady does too."

Hargrave continued her relationship with the minor during the summer of 2009, and by that fall, Hargrave began sending the victim text messages and emails "graphically discussing engaging in sexual activities with the minor and making plans to meet the minor to engage in the sexual activities," according U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley, who represents Lafayette as part of Louisiana's Western District.

"This case reflects the serious consequences and fallout of individuals who sexually abuse minors," Finley said in a news release.

"The harm done to children is long range and often irreversible. The actions of the defendant are disturbing, and the sentence is justified."

During the fall of 2009, Hargrave "raped the minor female in a medical office in Lafayette," Finley said. Hargrave continued to sexual exploit the victim into January 2010.

Source: Nicholas Persac, "Ex-school counselor to serve 30 years," The Advertiser, August 3, 2011.