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Psychologist Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Patient

Brattleboro, Vermont - September 30, 2009

As Donald Sanborn apologized to the court, he said his actions were reprehensible.

"I'm ashamed of it, I'm ashamed of myself," he said.

Sanborn pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a vulnerable adult patient in 2007 at his home practice in Bellows Falls.

"The victim in this case was extremely mentally ill and presented most often as a 5-year-old child," Vt. Asst. Attorney General Linda Purdy said.

Sanborn treated the victim over a four-year period. In the beginning, she referred to him as her hero. But during one session, that all changed. According to the Attorney General's office, Sanborn coerced the victim to engage in a sexual act. A soiled pair of socks that the victim saved from that incident would have been key evidence if the case had gone to trial.

Victims' advocate Amy Farr read a note from the victim which described the lasting impact of the abuse.

"I've lost a lot of weight, when you are scared you can't eat. When I think about what happened, I feel dirty," Farr read. "I always have the feeling that I have to run away and hide. I don't go for walks no more because he might be on the road to catch me."

In an effort to avoid jail, Sanborn's lawyer offered evidence at the sentencing that Sanborn himself was sexually abused growing up, which they say led to his inappropriate actions. But the judge wasn't buying it. Especially since Sanborn was already sanctioned twice by the state psychology board in the 1980s for having sex with patients.

"There was evidence that there were many other patients with whom he had sexual relationships with and this particular incident involved a criminal act," Purdy said.

Purdy says the victim is the true hero in this story for having the strength to come forward and Purdy says she hope the sentence give the victim solace as she begins the healing process.

Sanborn could have faced up to 7 years but the AG's office said it compromised on a 3-year cap to avoid a painful trial for the victim. Sanborn has been stripped of his license and will have to register as a sex offender.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX News

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