NEWPORT BEACH : Suit Says Psychiatrist Seduced His Patient
A psychiatrist who was suspended from practicing after allegations of drug possession and professional misconduct has been sued by a female patient who alleged she was seduced during therapy sessions.
In a lawsuit filed Monday in Orange County Superior Court, Vicki Sauer, 35, of Newport Beach alleged that Dr. Roger J. Palmieri “implant(ed) in her mind that she was not ready to be in a relationship with anyone except” the psychiatrist.
Palmieri has generally denied the allegations. His attorney, Clifton Peters, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Palmieri, 47, pleaded not guilty in August to two felony counts of cocaine possession and a misdemeanor charge of negligently firing a gun in his Newport Beach apartment.
He was suspended by the California Medical Board in August after reports surfaced about his alleged drug use and his relationship with Sauer. Board documents allege that Palmieri sold two of Sauer’s rings to buy cocaine.
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