Shrink assaults 6 patients, former student while working for Santa Barbara County and local college

(Originally posted 11-21-07)

Fernando Cordero, 65, was arrested on suspicion of raping a 44 year old parient while he worked for Santa Barbara Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services, sheriff's officials said November 15th.

According to the Santa Maria Times,

The woman, who is now in County Jail on theft charges, told investigators late last month that she was coerced into a sexual relationship with Cordero more than three years ago, when she was his patient at a county ADMHS facility on Foster Road in Santa Maria. He allegedly told her he would put her in jail if she did not comply with his sexual demands.

During the investigation, another former patient of Cordero also came forward with allegations that he had propositioned her to have sex and had physically accosted her, a sheriff's spokesman said.

Cordero apparently “has targeted Hispanic females with past abuse, mental health issues and questionable legal status in the United States,” added Sgt. Erik Raney.

Cordero was jailed on suspicion of committing rape under color of authority and subsequently released, after posting $100,000 bail. No information was available about when his court arraignment is scheduled.

Detectives believe that there may be others victimized by Cordero. Sexual assault of patients, according to this website, may occur in as many as 12% of the male psychologist population.

Local Psychologist Booked On Suspicion Of Raping Patient

(Update 12-2-07) It looks like another victim has been found. Cordero was released, and then rearrested November 30th after a fourth patient claimed he coerced her into sex. "We found a fourth victim that alleged she was coerced into a physical relationship with Dr. Cordero spanning several years. Based on that and some credible information we received, he was planning on fleeing the country because of these allegations," said Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department Sgt. Erik Raney. Cordero is being held on $250,000 bond.

(Update 1-9-08) Three more victims have been found, bringing the total to seven. and Cordero faces a dozen charges of rape. One of the victims was a former student of his.

An Allan Hancock College spokeswoman confirmed the former court appointed psychologist taught courses there. That included human sexuality, psychology, and race and ethnic relations, from Spring 2005 and Fall 2007.

This news, a shock to education student, Heather Brown.
"It's really creepy, to know that there's a teacher here that could possibly be doing that kind of stuff," Brown said. "It's kind of scary, but I'm glad I wasn't in his classes."

"I think there's a potential for more victims, and I hope if there are, that they call the Sheriff's Department and come forward and report because it's very important that we stop him from any future victims," [District AttorneyAnn]Bramsen said.

Bail was raised to $1.2 million from $250,000 by Judge Zel Canter.