Westchester Therapist Charged With Sexually Abusing Boy, 12

Mark Bernardini engaged in sexual contact with the boy during a counseling session in his office, police say

A New York therapist has been charged with sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy.

Prosecutors in Westchester County say Mark Bernardini engaged in sexual contact with the boy during a counseling session in Bernardini's Bronxville office on Tuesday.

The boy's family contacted the police, and the 57-year-old Bernardini was arrested Wednesday morning.

Bernardini, of North Salem, was arraigned on a charge of criminal sexual act. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond. He is due back in court on July 17.

Bernardini has another case pending. In that case it is alleged that he touched a 16-year-old girl inappropriately while he was counseling her on May 16.

The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County is representing Bernardini. Legal Aid did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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