Psychologist Arrested for Lewd Act on a Minor
CAPITOLA—The Capitola Police Department arrested Dr. John William Visher, a licensed psychologist in Capitola, after an investigation that lasted almost a year revealed the possibility he committed a lewd act with a minor who was a former patient.
John Visher
The child’s name is being withheld due to the fact that she was eight-years-old at the time of alleged abuse.
“We are being very careful with this investigation as it deals with a well-known psychologist,” Detective Marquis Booth of the Capitola Police Department said. “We put the press release out to see if more victims would possibly come forward.”
The Capitola Police Department conducted a search warrant on Dr. Visher’s home and place of business at the 800 block of Bay Avenue. Due to the potential patient/doctor confidentiality a special master was appointed by the court to review all items seized during the investigation. The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
As a result from the investigation an arrest warrant was issued for Dr. John William Visher, 65, from La Selva Beach. On September 19, The Capitola Police Department executed the arrest warrant at Dr. Visher’s residence without incident. Dr. Visher was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on charges 288(a) (Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14), 288.2A (Displaying harmful matter) and four counts of 311(a) F.1 (Possession of obscene matter).
Dr. Visher received his degree in psychology in 1978 from Indiana University School of Medicine. He received a license to practice psychology in the State of California in August of 1982. The State of California has suspended his license for the duration of the investigation.
This is an active investigation and the Capitola Police Department is asking anyone with information to please contact Detective Sara Ryan at 1-831-475-4242 ext 211.
Read More:
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Capitola Psychologist Arrested on Suspicion of Child Molestation
