New Rochelle Therapist Charged With Raping Client

A New Rochelle man faces rape and sexual abuse charges for engaging in sexual contact with one of his counseling patients.

Nelson Acevedo, 42, of Beaufort Place, was employed at the Guidance Center of Westchester in New Rochelle when the alleged abuse occurred, according to county District Attorney Janet DiFiore, who announced his arraignment Tuesday.

DiFiore said Acevedo, who has a master of social work degree, on two separate occasions, sexually abused the victim by having her touch him in a sexually explicit manner.

On a third occasion, Acevedo allegedly raped the woman at his residence, ostensibly during a counseling session. Police said the rape and abuse occurred between February 1 and July 31.

DiFiore said the victim was incapable of consent because she was a patient and the defendant was a mental health care provider and the sexual acts occurred during a treatment session.

Acevedo was charged with third-degree rape, a felony, and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, misdemeanors.

Amy Gelles, executive director of the Guidance Center of Westchester, said the organization took the allegations seriously and is troubled by the nature of them. She said they took immediate and appropriate action when they were brought to their attention.

"The therapist in question has been employed at one of our mental health clinics since 2010," Gelles said. "We conducted the appropriate background check when he was hired, which includes finger printing, in compliance with standards set by the New York State Office of Mental Health, and also a background check with the Office of Children and Family Services Statewide Central Register Database."

She said Acevedo was suspended Tuesday, August 13, until further notice and that the center will continue to cooperate with authorities in the investigation.

DiFiore said the investigation began with a call to the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs hotline.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the opening of the center in May at a press conference held at the College of New Rochelle. The Justice Center is charged with investigating cases of abuse and neglect in the special needs community.