By Jessica M. Pasko
The Santa Cruz Sentinel
Originally published October 23, 2012
A civil lawsuit has been filed against a Capitola psychologist who is facing
criminal charges of sexual abuse against a child.
Dr. John William Visher was arrested last month at his La Selva Beach home
after Capitola police investigated allegations that he committed lewd acts
against an 8-year-old girl. The girl had been his patient and detectives believe
the incidents occurred at Visher's former Bay Avenue office in 2009.
Last week, the girl's family filed a personal injury suit against Visher in
the civil divisions of Santa Cruz County Court. It charges him with sexual
harassment, professional negligence and intentional infliction of emotional
distress, and seeks unspecified damages.
Visher pleaded not guilty on Oct. 9 to five felony charges that include lewd
acts upon a child, sending obscene material and possession of material depicting
a minor engaging in sexual conduct. He is due back in court Nov. 14.
The entire story is here.
