Federal Way counselor allegedly had sex with sexual-abuse patient
The Washington State Department of Health has suspended the credentials of a Federal Way counselor for allegedly having sex with a patient he was counseling for childhood sexual abuse.
According to Department of Health documents, Scott David Hale had sex with the patient three times during the two years he spent as the patient's counselor at a Burien health clinic, which he left in December.
Hale reported the sex to his employer himself, according to the documents.
The Department of Health has suspended Hale's credentials for allegedly abusing his position of power over a vulnerable patient, preventing him from practicing in the state until the charges are resolved.
Hale has 20 days to respond to the charges and request a hearing.
Ed. Note: The article originally and incorrectly stated Hale was affiliated with the Department of Health. He is not affiliated with the department, only licensed by it. We regret the error.
Part of the treatment? Did she just say OK?
What tha Hale?!
He told on himself.... bwahahahaha
He should never be able to get licensed again, whether it was consensual or not. Â
No legal actions if it was consensual, correct?
this makes me angry
Why isnt he in jail?
@Nic Stevens Because there is not at this time a criminal charge they can easily make stick, unless the patient later says the sex was non-consensual. Generally misconduct like this is a disciplinary matter for the employer and the licensing board, not a criminal matter for police (but it all depends on the unique circumstances of each case). Time will tell whether or not he can be referred for prosecution. But he can't be placed in jail until and unless they are ready to charge him with crimes. Not to say that I think what he did was okay; I do not, and I would prefer that he face very tough consequences, because this was nothing less than a person in a position of trust and power taking advantage of a victim of sexual abuse who came to him for help. Not okay at all.
SICK! Â How dare this person take advantage of a sex abuse victim like this??? Â I am also wondering if he told because his victim was going to tell?
@DMTÂ Or is the Vic pregnant..... Dun dun dunnnnn
Man, Komo has a ton of these stories up today. Guess it must be Freaky Thursday.