Licensed therapist pleads guilty

CANTON, S.D. (KELO) — A Sioux Falls man who spent decades working as a licensed therapist and training future counselors admits to having an illegal relationship with one of his patients.

Friday morning in Lincoln County, Roy Conrad pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual penetration by a psychotherapist.

According to the factual basis read by the state prosecutor in court, the crimes happened between September 2022 and March 2023. The crimes were reported to police in April 2023.

The factual basis states the victim told investigators the touching began as hugging but later intensified. Following the death of the victim’s father, the document says Conrad suggested having sex together. The woman told investigators she was emotionally dependent on Conrad as her therapist.

Conrad admitted to the judge that he had sex with his patient at least two times but when the judge asked about the victim being emotionally dependent on him, Conrad said, “That’s debatable, but yes.”

Each of the counts Conrad pleaded guilty to are Class 4 felonies, which means he could face a maximum of 20 years in prison. However, his attorneys are asking for a cap at 12 and a half years.

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered as well as a psychosexual evaluation, which Conrad’s attorney argued against as it’s not required by state statute. However, the judge decided it would be helpful for her to get a full picture of the case before sentencing.

A date for that hearing has not yet been set.

Conrad began working as a counselor in 1986. He has no previous criminal record.

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