Westchester Therapist Admits Sexually Abusing Patients, Ages 12 and 19

Mark Bernardini engaged in sexual contact with the victims during counseling sessions in his office, prosecutors said

A New York therapist has admitted in court that he sexually abused two of his patients — a 12-year-old boy and a 19-year-old woman.

The Westchester district attorney says Mark Bernardini of North Salem pleaded guilty Thursday to a criminal sex act and forcible touching.

Bernardini is a licensed clinical social worker. He could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison and must also register as a sex offender.

Prosecutors said that in May, the 57-year-old Bernardini inappropriately touched the woman at his home office. In July, he was accused of engaging sexual contact with the boy at his Bronxville office.

The district attorney said that in both cases, the victims alerted their parents.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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