LANCASTER : Psychologist to Face Trial on Rape Count
A Lancaster psychologist was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on charges that he raped a female county probation officer he was evaluating after she filed a stress claim alleging sexual harassment by a male supervisor at work.
After a lengthy preliminary hearing, Antelope Municipal Judge Ian Grant ruled that Charles A. Catanese, 42, a psychologist who also practices in Van Nuys, must stand trial on felony counts of rape, sexual battery and attempted forcible oral copulation. A Superior Court hearing was set for Oct. 14.
The incident allegedly occurred Jan. 2 when the woman, now 38, went to Catanese’s home west of Lancaster for treatment. She had been referred to him by workers’ compensation officials for evaluation after she filed her claim.
Catanese’s attorney, Russell Iungerich challenged the woman’s credibility and contended she has told differing stories.
Catanese remains free on his own recognizance.
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