HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that a former State College psychologist was convicted this week for the rape and sexual assault of a young girl from 2005 to 2013.
The jury found Richard Lenhart guilty of rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children, and corruption of minors. He has previous sexual assault convictions stemming from conduct with patients at his psychology practice.
Lenhart, 63, will be sentenced on Nov. 19.
“This victim relied on the defendant to be a source of support and healing, and instead he abused his authority in order to sexually assault her for years,” Attorney General Henry said. “I commend the victim for having the bravery to come forward to face her abuser, and am grateful that the jury listened to the victim testify to the horror she endured at the hands of the defendant and then found him guilty of all charges. My office will always work hard to seek justice against those who harm children.”
According to the investigation, the victim reported abuse by Richard Lenhart that occurred in a home and other places in State College between 2005 and 2013. The victim recalled inappropriate, sexual, and grooming-type behavior starting at a very young age. She testified that she was first raped when she was eight years old. The case arose after Lenhart was investigated and convicted of insurance fraud and the sexual assault of patients in his psychology practice.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorneys General Michael T. Madeira and Megan McGoron.