New York Psychologist Accused of Raping Boy

(Sand Lake, New York) A 32-year-old child psychologist for Rensselaer County, Jennifer Hastings, was arrested by State Police Saturday for allegedly raping a 14-year-old boy she was counseling. Hastings faces a charge of second-degree rape.

Police stated that Hastings repeatedly raped the boy, sometimes at her home. Rensselaer County Mental Health has suspended Hastings from her position with the county, according to county spokesman Chris Meyer.

Hastings was booked and released on $20,000 bail.


[Update 10/17/07]

Here's an interesting update from the Times Union:

Jennifer A. Hastings took the Tamarac Secondary School freshman home after school when her husband was away in Ticonderoga, the victim said in his statement to investigators. She had to sneak him past her parents' and in-laws' homes, according to the statement.

"As we entered her driveway she told me to duck down because her parents and her husband's parents live on both sides of her home. I ducked down and she drove me up to her house," the student said.

Inside her residence at 222 Sheer Road, the psychologist had intercourse twice with her court-assigned patient before spiriting him back out of the house, according to the statement.

Trooper Michael Anson, the school's resource officer, said he saw Hastings pick up the boy at school and drive off the campus, and he began investigating. Later, he spoke to Hastings, who claimed she was the boy's older sister, troopers said. But further investigation determined Hastings' true identity.

Pretty sneaky, eh?


[Update 11/12/07]

More charges filed against Hastings.



[Update 10/9/08]

Hastings admits guilt. Sentencing in December.


[Update 2/5/09]

Hastings gets prison.