Ex-Psychotherapist Strikes Deal Over Wyoming Sexual Assault Charges

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — A former Gillette psychotherapist has made a deal with prosecutors over charges that he used his position of authority to have sex with patients.

Joshua Ray Popkin, 33, will plead no contest to two sexual assault charges, under the plea agreement. A third sexual assault charge would be dismissed.

Under a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that prosecutors may have enough evidence to convict.

A court hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 21.

Popkin worked as a psychologist with Campbell County Health from Nov. 2, 2015, to May 25, 2016.

One of his accusers told investigators that Popkin preyed on her, worked his way into her head and used things that he knew about her in order to sleep with her.