PsychCrime

CCHR International's site is the web's most comprehensive source of psychiatric crime news and information.

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Acadia Healthcare: Criminal charges brought in death of Bluesky Thomas; former Sonora Behavioral employee surrenders

A former employee of Sonora Behavioral Health in Tucson has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the 2025 death of patient Bluesky D. Thomas, whose autopsy documented extensive injuries including spinal fractures, a liver laceration, missing teeth and neck hemorrhaging. According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, 28-year-old Bryce Nolan Coleman surrendered to authorities on June 15.

Thomas, 44, died on Oct. 21, 2025, after several violent restraints at Sonora Behavioral. The Pima County medical examiner determined that he died from blunt force injuries and ruled the manner of death as homicide. The autopsy also noted tongue injuries, scalp abrasions and the loss of at least two teeth. Toxicology findings showed the presence of several prescription psychiatric drugs, including lorazepam (Ativan), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), the antipsychotics olanzapine (Risperdal) and haloperidol and other psychiatric drugs.

According to information released by investigators and court records described in television reports, Thomas had become agitated and attempted to leave the facility after receiving sedating medications. Surveillance video reportedly showed Coleman repeatedly forcing Thomas back into his room and becoming increasingly aggressive. Emergency equipment was later brought in after Thomas became unresponsive, and he died at a hospital the following day. One television report stated that the injuries included a broken neck in addition to liver damage and missing teeth.

Sonora Behavioral Health said Coleman was terminated following an internal investigation and that the facility has cooperated with law enforcement authorities.

Thomas’ family is being represented in a wrongful death lawsuit against Sonora by attorney Jennifer Cascio of the law firm Gould, Grieco and Hensley.

The case has renewed attention on Sonora Behavioral Health, which has faced previous scrutiny over patient deaths, lawsuits and regulatory concerns. A local television investigation reported that state inspectors conducted two dozen inspections at the facility over approximately the last three years, resulting in a $10,000 fine earlier this year related to incidents involving multiple patients.

(“Sonora Behavioral patient suffered spine fractures, liver laceration, lost teeth before death, KOLD News 13, June 16, 2026.)

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Minnesota revokes license of psychologist Tanya Holthus for sex with former patient

On March 28, 2025, the Minnesota Board of Psychology revoked the license of Edina psychologist Tanya Holthus, for engaging in a sexual relationship with a former client within two years of termination of the psychological relationship.

In October 2024, Holthus indicated that she terminated psychological services with the client in July 2024 and began a sexual relationship with the client in August 2024.

The violation of statues and rules enforced by the Board showed that Holthus was incompetent or engaged in conduct reflecting adversely on her ability or fitness to engage in the practice of psychology and was cited for unprofessional conduct.

Source: Stipulation and Consent Order in the Matter of Tanya Holthus, Psy.D., L.P., lic. no. LP5682, Minnesota Board of Psychology, March 21, 2025

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Jacksonville psychiatrist Mohammad Farooque fined over prescribing, records

On August 23, 2023, the Florida Board of Medicine issued a Letter of Concern against Jacksonville psychiatrist Mohammad Farooque for malpractice and medical records violations and ordered him to pay $5,903.94 in investigative costs.

According to the agency’s October 31, 2022 Administrative Complaint, patient J.G. initially presented to Farooque for psychiatric treatment on October 17, 2017 and was until January 2020. According to the complaint, J.G. had a history of psychotic symptoms and drug abuse involving heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, cocaine, MDMA (street name of ecstasy), LSD, and cannabis.

According to the complaint, Farooque prescribed Clonazepam 3 mg daily and Adderall 30 mg daily beginning on or about Dec. 7, 2017. Beginning on or about April 12, 2018, he also prescribed Seroquel 400 mg daily. The complaint alleged J.G. remained on the same medications during the treatment period, with only minimal dosage variations.

The Department alleged that Farooque prescribed inappropriate amounts of Clonazepam and Adderall, given J.G.’s history of significant drug abuse and the risk of psychotic episodes associated with the drugs and J.G.’s history of psychotic symptoms. The Department also alleged that Farooque failed to document justification for the controlled-substance combinations and amounts prescribed.

The Department alleged medical malpractice based on claims that Farooque’s treatment fell below the minimum standard of care in his treatment of J.G., and also alleged a medical records violation in that Farooque failed to maintain records that justified the course of treatment.

Source: Final Order no. DOH-23-1102-S-MQA, Dept. of Health v. Mohammad Farooque, M.D., DOH case no. 2019-54090, lic. no. ME 00100550, August 28, 2023.

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Universal Health Services: Nurse sentenced to 10 years for sexually assaulting teen patient in Orlando psych facility

A former nurse at University Behavioral Health Center (UBHC) in Orlando has been sentenced to a decade in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl under his care, authorities said. Fernando Ortiz-Marrero received two consecutive five-year sentences for charges including lewd and lascivious touching of a minor and sexual assault on a client.

UBHC is owned by Universal Health Services, a large chain of for-profit psychiatric facilities infamous for putting profit over patient care & safety.

The case has drawn attention to vulnerabilities in mental health facilities, where patients—often in fragile emotional states—are entrusted to professional caregivers. According to court documents and the arrest report, the incidents occurred while the victim was involuntarily admitted to UBHC under Florida’s Baker Act, a law that allows for the temporary detention and examination of individuals believed to have a mental illness and who may pose a danger to themselves or others.

Prosecutors detailed a disturbing pattern of behavior that allegedly began soon after the teenager’s admission. Ortiz-Marrero reportedly initiated contact by flirting with the young patient. Over several occasions, he is accused of isolating her by taking her into a bathroom, instructing her to undress, and then groping and kissing her. The victim later described feeling “frozen” during these encounters, a common trauma response in situations of power imbalance and coercion.

The situation escalated on June 28 when the girl was alone. Investigators said Ortiz-Marrero approached her again and directed her into the bathroom, where he allegedly forced her to perform a sex act. The abuse came to light after another staff member at the facility reported suspicions, prompting an investigation by law enforcement.

Ortiz-Marrero, who had worked as a nurse at the center, was arrested and ultimately adjudicated guilty on the charges. His sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the court viewed the betrayal of trust inherent in his position. Healthcare professionals in behavioral settings are expected to uphold strict ethical and legal boundaries, particularly with vulnerable minors. Violations like these not only inflict immediate psychological harm but can have long-lasting effects on survivors’ mental health and trust in the medical system.

The Baker Act admission underscores the victim’s pre-existing vulnerabilities. Designed as a protective measure, the process is meant to ensure safety and access to treatment. Instead, the environment became the site of further victimization. Mental health advocates often highlight the need for robust oversight, including stricter background checks, continuous monitoring, and clear protocols for interactions between staff and patients—especially minors.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by patients in residential treatment facilities. Sexual misconduct by caregivers remains a serious concern nationwide, with studies showing that individuals with mental health challenges or those under involuntary commitment may be at higher risk due to dependency on staff and limited ability to report abuse immediately. Families entrusting loved ones to such facilities expect the highest standards of care and protection.

Following the sentencing, Ortiz-Marrero will serve his full term consecutively, meaning no overlap in the sentences. Details on any additional penalties, such as sex offender registration or restitution, were not immediately available in initial reports. The victim’s identity remains protected due to her age and the nature of the crimes.

Local authorities and the facility have not released extensive statements beyond confirming the outcome, but the case may prompt reviews of staffing protocols and training at UBHC and similar institutions across Central Florida. Experts emphasize that swift reporting by colleagues, as occurred here, is critical to interrupting such patterns of abuse.

For the survivor and her family, the sentencing represents a measure of justice, though the emotional toll of the ordeal is likely to persist. Support services for victims of sexual assault, particularly minors in the foster or mental health system, play a vital role in recovery. Organizations throughout Florida offer counseling, advocacy, and legal assistance tailored to these circumstances.

As communities grapple with balancing mental health treatment needs and patient safety, cases like this highlight ongoing challenges in oversight and accountability. Law enforcement and judicial systems continue to send a clear message: those who exploit positions of trust, especially with children, will face significant consequences.

Source: “Nurse sentenced in sexual assault of 16-year-old patient,” WKMG News 6, June 27, 2026.

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Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, KY: More former employees allege Medicare and Medicaid fraud

Two former managers at a large Kentucky community mental health organization have filed lawsuits accusing the nonprofit of engaging in fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid billing practices and retaliating against employees who refused to participate.

The lawsuits, filed this month against Mountain Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC), bring the number of former employees making similar allegations against the Prestonsburg-based provider to five since January. The plaintiffs claim company leaders directed staff to falsify billing records and patient documentation in order to maximize federal reimbursements.

Kendra Allen, who spent 18 years with MCCC and most recently served as revenue cycle manager, alleges she was instructed to submit inaccurate Medicare and Medicaid billing information, including misrepresenting where federally qualified health services were provided and identifying providers who had not actually delivered the services. According to her lawsuit, she was also told not to communicate with officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding billing changes.

Jennifer Salisbury, MCCC's former quality improvement director, alleges she experienced retaliation after attempting to strengthen patient safety and regulatory compliance. One incident described in her complaint followed a medication error in which a patient allegedly received medication intended for someone else. Salisbury says she implemented stronger safety procedures after the incident but faced resistance from supervisors.

She also claims she developed a corrective manual designed to address deficiencies identified during a Medicaid audit. According to the lawsuit, MCCC Chief Executive Officer Promod Bishnoi reacted negatively to those efforts, and Salisbury alleges she was subjected to retaliation intended to force her resignation. When she refused to resign, she says she was terminated in August.

The two lawsuits echo allegations made in three earlier cases filed by former employees, all of whom claim Bishnoi played a central role in directing improper billing practices. Collectively, the lawsuits accuse MCCC leadership of encouraging employees to falsify records, manipulate billing submissions, and disregard safeguards intended to protect patients and ensure compliance with federal healthcare regulations.

MCCC has denied the allegations in court filings. The organization has not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the latest lawsuits.

Mountain Comprehensive Care Center is one of Kentucky's largest community mental health providers. The nonprofit operates approximately 50 outpatient behavioral health clinics across eastern Kentucky, along with addiction treatment programs, therapeutic foster care services, primary care clinics, homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, and counseling services for students in multiple school districts.

The organization also serves as a publicly funded community mental health center under contract with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, providing treatment for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and other behavioral health needs. According to the lawsuits, a substantial portion of MCCC's revenue comes from state and federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

The growing number of whistleblower-style lawsuits raises additional questions about billing oversight at one of eastern Kentucky's largest behavioral healthcare providers. While the allegations remain unproven, the cases accuse the organization of placing financial considerations ahead of regulatory compliance and patient protections.

The litigation is ongoing, and the claims have not been tested in court. No findings of liability have been made against Mountain Comprehensive Care Center or its executives.

Source: Austin R. Ramsey, "More former EKY mental health clinic workers allege federal billing fraud," Lexington Herald-Leader, June 25, 2026.

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Arizona Medicaid suspends Sacred Circles of Healing & Wellness amid fraud investigation

An Arizona behavioral health provider serving clients on the Navajo Nation has been suspended from the state's Medicaid program following allegations of widespread fraud, including false billing, patient brokering, and the use of artificial intelligence to generate clinical records. Federal authorities are also investigating the case.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) suspended Sacred Circles of Healing and Wellness on June 17 after determining there was credible evidence of Medicaid fraud. According to state officials, the Tuba City-based provider is the subject of an FBI investigation and faces more than 30 allegations outlined in a suspension notice.

The case comes as Arizona continues to recover from a massive Medicaid fraud scheme that targeted Native Americans and is estimated to have cost taxpayers approximately $2.8 billion over the past several years.

State investigators allege that Denis Artiles, the former chief executive of the now-terminated behavioral health provider Newfound Hope, secretly controlled Sacred Circles despite not being publicly identified as its operator. AHCCCS claims Artiles financed the clinic's payroll through another company, provided transportation for clients, and relied on CEO Coleen Chatter to serve as the organization's public face.

Artiles had previously agreed to a settlement with the Arizona Department of Health Services that prevented him from seeking behavioral health licensure through late 2025 after Newfound Hope lost its Medicaid participation. Despite that agreement, AHCCCS later approved Sacred Circles as a Medicaid provider.

According to the suspension notice, investigators found evidence of patient brokering, alleging that the clinic paid $500 bonuses for recruiting Medicaid clients. AHCCCS contends those payments were ultimately made through Artiles, while Chatter allegedly received the recruitment bonuses.

Republican State Senator Carine Werner, who has been outspoken about Arizona's behavioral health fraud crisis, said whistleblowers first alerted her to concerns involving Sacred Circles. She warned that individuals connected to previous fraud cases have exploited regulatory gaps by establishing operations on tribal land, where state behavioral health licensing requirements may not apply, while still receiving Medicaid reimbursements.

Records cited by FOX 10 indicate AHCCCS paid the clinic approximately $294,000 over a six-month period before the suspension.

Investigators also accuse the provider of billing Medicaid for services that either were not delivered or could not have been provided as documented. The suspension letter alleges the clinic billed for clients who failed to attend classes, left early, or had stopped participating altogether. Officials further claim Sacred Circles performed urinalysis testing despite lacking the required medical or laboratory licenses.

Among the more unusual allegations is the reported use of artificial intelligence to create clinical documentation. According to AHCCCS, staff members were instructed to use ChatGPT to generate patient progress notes before copying the material into official records instead of personally documenting services they had provided. Werner said the allegations demonstrate that regulators must also address the potential misuse of AI in healthcare fraud investigations.

The suspension notice also describes alleged safety concerns at the clinic, including claims that an intoxicated individual was permitted to attend programming and that the facility's CEO became involved in a personal relationship with that client. After the relationship reportedly ended, investigators allege the individual returned to the facility carrying a weapon.

Sacred Circles has the right to challenge the suspension through an administrative hearing or seek an informal settlement conference. The allegations remain under investigation, and no criminal charges have been announced.

Source: Justin Lum, "Arizona behavioral health clinic suspended for allegations of Medicaid fraud, ties to terminated provider," FOX 10 Phoenix, June 24, 2026.

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Acadia Healthcare: Capitol Park Mental Health hospital workers allege safety and care problems; facility opened in Sept. 2025

A psychiatric hospital that opened less than a year ago to help address Minnesota's shortage of inpatient mental health beds is facing allegations from current and former employees who say chronic understaffing, inadequate security, and patient care concerns have created an unsafe environment for both staff and patients.

Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital in St. Paul began operating in September 2025 as an $80 million investment intended to expand access to psychiatric care at a time when several other health systems were reducing behavioral health services. The 144-bed facility is jointly owned by for-profit Acadia Healthcare and nonprofit Fairview Health Services. However, according to multiple workers interviewed by the Minnesota Star Tribune, the hospital has struggled to safely care for patients while operating with fewer than 50 beds staffed.

Seven current and former employees told the newspaper they either resigned or are considering leaving because of persistent staffing shortages, insufficient security during violent incidents, and what they described as inadequate care for patients with both psychiatric and medical needs. Family members of patients also reportedly complained about delays in medications and treatment planning.

The allegations mirror concerns raised by Minnesota regulators before the hospital was even built. During the approval process in 2022, state officials questioned whether the proposed staffing model and the absence of an emergency department could increase safety risks or negatively affect the quality of patient care.

One experienced nurse said she left after only three months because she routinely worked 12-hour shifts without breaks and lacked adequate security support when patients became aggressive. According to her account, she ultimately resigned after supervisors declined her recommendation to transfer a patient with multiple head injuries and facial swelling to an emergency department following repeated self-inflicted head trauma. In her resignation message, the nurse stated that she no longer felt comfortable practicing in what she believed was an unsafe environment.

The reported complaints come at a time when Minnesota continues to face a shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds, making the success of new facilities particularly significant. Capitol Park was expected to help relieve pressure on emergency departments and hospitals struggling to find psychiatric placements for patients experiencing mental health crises.

Acadia Healthcare did not respond to repeated requests from the Minnesota Star Tribune seeking comment on the allegations. Fairview Health Services, which supplies physicians and advanced practice providers for the hospital, said in a statement that it remains committed to delivering safe, compassionate, patient-centered care. Fairview also noted that Acadia is responsible for the hospital's day-to-day operations.

The allegations have renewed attention on concerns surrounding the operation of private psychiatric hospitals and whether staffing levels and security measures are sufficient to protect vulnerable patients and frontline healthcare workers. While Capitol Park remains in the early stages of expanding its operations, the complaints suggest the hospital continues to face significant operational challenges as it works toward its intended capacity.

It is not clear whether state regulators will launch additional reviews or inspections in response to the reported concerns. However, the allegations highlight ongoing questions about balancing the urgent need for psychiatric beds with maintaining appropriate standards of patient care and workplace safety.

Source: Jeremy Olson, "Workers raise alarm about conditions inside new St. Paul psychiatric hospital," Minnesota Star Tribune, June 30, 2026.

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Amended lawsuit accuses Indiana girl's psychiatric residential program of years of abuse and exploitation

A federal lawsuit against an Indiana residential program for teenage girls has expanded dramatically, with 35 women now alleging they were subjected to years of abuse, forced labor, and coercive practices while attending what was formerly known as Central Indiana Teen Challenge, now operating as Refuge Girls Academy in Lebanon, Indiana.

The amended complaint, filed in federal court, adds 26 new plaintiffs to an earlier lawsuit that originally involved nine former residents. According to the lawsuit, the alleged abuse occurred between 2011 and 2024 and reflects a long-running pattern of mistreatment rather than isolated incidents. Attorneys representing the women say they have interviewed more than 100 former residents, family members, and staff members since the original lawsuit was filed earlier this year.

The lawsuit describes a highly restrictive environment in which basic necessities—including access to bathrooms, food, sleep, conversation, and even eye contact—were allegedly treated as privileges that staff could remove as punishment. Several plaintiffs claim they were prohibited from speaking for weeks or even months at a time, while others allege they were denied restroom access for extended periods, forcing some girls to urinate in sinks.

Former residents also describe physically demanding disciplinary practices. According to the complaint, girls were allegedly required to perform strenuous exercise in extreme heat despite illness, run for long periods without water, or carry heavy backpacks filled with canned goods as punishment. One plaintiff alleges she was transported across state lines while restrained with a leash and weighted shoes after being removed from her home during the night. Another claims she was subjected to what the lawsuit characterizes as an exorcism-like religious ritual involving repeated forced submersion of her head into buckets of water, leaving her bruised and physically ill.

Attorneys also contend the girls were subjected to extensive unpaid labor, including cleaning, landscaping, maintenance work, and fundraising activities that benefited the organization. The complaint alleges residents were required to perform physically demanding work under the threat of punishment and that religious teachings were used to reinforce obedience. According to the lawsuit, staff told residents their suffering reflected "God's will" and that questioning program rules amounted to questioning God.

The plaintiffs argue the alleged practices amounted to systemic abuse rather than misconduct by individual employees. Their attorneys say the consistency of the accounts provided by former residents over many years points to institutional policies and a culture of coercion. They further note that Teen Challenge programs operate across the country, making the allegations significant beyond a single Indiana facility.

The organization has denied the allegations. Attorney Jeffrey Roberts, representing Indiana Teen Challenge, said the amended complaint was expected after publicity surrounding the original lawsuit encouraged additional former residents to come forward. He stated that the organization denies wrongdoing, intends to challenge the claims in court, and believes the allegations remain unproven. Roberts said the defendants were preparing to seek dismissal of the original lawsuit before the amended complaint was filed and plan to continue their defense through the legal process.

The lawsuit is one of several recent legal actions targeting residential youth treatment programs across the country. As litigation proceeds, the plaintiffs hope their claims will bring greater public attention to conditions within the troubled-teen industry and encourage additional former residents to come forward with their experiences.

Source: Kara Kenney, "35 women file new lawsuit against faith-based Lebanon program for girls," WRTV, June 17, 2026.

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Universal Health Services: Utah halts admissions to Provo Canyon School, increases monitoring following medical neglect suit

Utah regulators have imposed emergency conditions on the license of Provo Canyon School after allegations that staff delayed emergency medical treatment for injured residents, prompting renewed scrutiny of the residential treatment center and fueling calls for stronger oversight of the troubled-teen industry.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services ordered the facility to stop admitting new residents temporarily while placing it under heightened state monitoring. The action followed an investigation into an incident in which staff allegedly failed to immediately seek emergency medical care for a seriously injured adolescent. State officials concluded the circumstances warranted emergency intervention while the matter remains under review. (KUTV)

The state's action coincides with two recently filed lawsuits accusing Provo Canyon School of failing to provide appropriate medical care to children in its custody. One lawsuit, filed by the family of a 13-year-old Montana boy, alleges another resident violently threw the child to the ground, leaving him with a fractured jaw and a traumatic brain injury. According to the complaint, staff attempted to manage the incident inside the facility rather than immediately calling 911, delaying the boy's access to emergency treatment. (KUTV)

A second lawsuit alleges that a teenage girl repeatedly complained of severe abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting for more than a week before staff sought hospital care. By the time she was admitted for treatment, the lawsuit claims she had developed acute kidney failure requiring intensive medical intervention. Both families contend the facility failed to recognize the seriousness of their children's medical conditions and delayed obtaining outside care. (KUTV)

The lawsuits received national attention after Paris Hilton traveled to Utah to publicly support both families. Hilton, who spent nearly a year at Provo Canyon School as a teenager in the late 1990s, has long alleged that she was physically abused, placed in solitary confinement, forcibly medicated, and subjected to degrading treatment while at the facility. During a news conference, she urged state regulators to permanently close the school, arguing that recent allegations demonstrate continuing safety concerns despite changes in ownership over the years. (NBC New York)

Hilton has become one of the nation's most prominent advocates for reforming the troubled-teen industry. She has testified before Congress and state legislatures, helping to advance legislation intended to strengthen oversight of youth residential treatment programs in Utah and numerous other states. She said many parents are persuaded by marketing that portrays residential facilities as safe therapeutic environments without fully understanding the potential risks. (The Washington Post)

Provo Canyon School, now operating under different ownership than during Hilton's stay, said it could not discuss the pending lawsuits because of patient privacy laws. In a public statement, the facility said the safety, dignity, and well-being of its residents remain its highest priorities and that it maintains systems designed to protect those in its care. The school has also stated it cannot comment on allegations relating to previous ownership. (The Washington Post)

The emergency licensing conditions are scheduled for further review by state officials, who will determine whether additional enforcement measures are necessary. Meanwhile, advocates, lawmakers, and the families involved continue urging Utah regulators to strengthen oversight of residential treatment programs to better protect vulnerable children placed in their care.

Source: "State places conditions on Provo Canyon School after Paris Hilton backs lawsuits," KUTV, June 2026.

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Universal Health Services: Montana halts youth referrals to Provo Canyon School after teen suffers brain injury

Montana officials have suspended new referrals to a Utah residential treatment facility after a 13-year-old Montana boy allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during an assault by another resident, prompting a lawsuit that raises new questions about the safety of out-of-state behavioral treatment programs.

The lawsuit, filed by the boy's mother, Aleah Corona, alleges that staff at Provo Canyon School in Utah failed to protect her son despite repeated warnings that he feared another resident. According to the complaint, the conflict escalated on May 14 when the boy was allegedly slammed to the floor, leaving him with a fractured jaw and bleeding in his brain. The lawsuit claims the facility's negligence allowed the assault to occur after staff ignored ongoing safety concerns.

Corona said her son had been enrolled at the residential psychiatric treatment program for only about two months but repeatedly told her he felt threatened by other boys at the facility. She said she shared those concerns with staff, who she believes failed to take appropriate action. Looking back, she said the warning signs should have been taken more seriously before the incident occurred.

The alleged assault has triggered responses from multiple state agencies. Montana's Youth Court Services immediately stopped sending children to Provo Canyon School, while the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services said it is closely monitoring developments. The action followed an emergency order by Utah health regulators that temporarily suspended new admissions to the facility and placed it under heightened state oversight. At the time of the suspension, several Montana youths remained in the program, with officials working to relocate them to other facilities.

Montana relies on out-of-state residential treatment centers when in-state programs cannot accommodate children with severe emotional or behavioral needs. State officials said 15 Montana youths are currently receiving court-ordered treatment in facilities located across several states, including Utah, Arizona, Florida, Nebraska, Nevada and Arkansas. Only two residential programs within Montana provide comparable services, limiting placement options when those facilities reach capacity or cannot meet a child's specific treatment needs.

The case has also drawn attention to the financial relationship between Montana and Provo Canyon School. State records indicate Montana's health department has paid the facility more than $26 million over the past decade through Medicaid-funded placements, including more than $4 million during the past year alone. While state officials emphasized that safeguards exist for children placed in out-of-state programs, they declined to provide additional details regarding those oversight procedures.

According to the lawsuit, staff initially attempted to manage the boy's injuries inside the facility instead of immediately contacting emergency responders or law enforcement. The complaint alleges that only after staff were unable to control his bleeding was he transported to a local hospital. Attorneys representing the family contend approximately 90 minutes passed between the injury and his arrival at the emergency room. The emergency physician later reported the injuries to law enforcement. Corona also said she was not informed which hospital her son had been taken to, leaving her to search for him after flying from Montana to Utah.

The lawsuit also points to what attorneys describe as a history of safety problems at Provo Canyon School, including prior reports involving violence, sexual assaults, drug incidents, and runaways. State inspection records cited in the complaint note that a staff member was previously found to have struck a resident, resulting in a state fine. Attorneys argue the latest incident reflects broader systemic problems within the residential treatment industry rather than an isolated event.

The case has attracted national attention, with advocates—including Paris Hilton, who has campaigned for reform of the troubled-teen industry—joining Corona at a news conference in Utah. Montana state Sen. Laura Smith also expressed concern, saying the lawsuit highlights the need for stronger oversight of children placed in residential treatment facilities outside the state. As investigations continue, Corona said she hopes the case leads to lasting reforms that better protect vulnerable youth.

Source: Seaborn Larson, "Montana suspends referrals to Utah 'troubled teen' program after Belgrade boy suffers TBI," Billings Gazette, June 18, 2026.

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Universal Health Services: Utah watchdog alleges dangerous conditions at Provo Canyon School, demands immediate reforms

A Utah disability rights organization is urging state officials to take stronger action after reporting what it described as alarming conditions at Provo Canyon School, a residential treatment facility for adolescents, owned by Universal Health Services, a for-profit psych hospital chain infamous for putting profit far ahead of patient care and safety. Following multiple monitoring visits to the school's campuses in Provo and Springville, the watchdog concluded that many youths continue to face unsafe conditions, despite years of public scrutiny surrounding the facility.

The Disability Law Center, Utah's federally designated protection and advocacy organization for people with disabilities, documented numerous incidents involving violence, self-harm, inadequate medical care, and the excessive use of physical restraints and seclusion. According to the report, investigators found that many teenagers experienced repeated injuries resulting from assaults by other residents, while some youths who expressed suicidal thoughts or engaged in self-harm did not consistently receive appropriate supervision or timely medical attention. The organization characterized many of its findings as deeply troubling and warned that residents remain at significant risk of harm.

The report also raised concerns about staffing levels, employee training, and the facility's ability to safely manage youths experiencing mental health crises. Investigators said they observed situations in which staff members struggled to intervene effectively during violent incidents, allowing altercations between residents to escalate. The watchdog further questioned whether existing policies adequately protect vulnerable adolescents or ensure that treatment is delivered in a therapeutic rather than punitive manner.

Provo Canyon School has long been the focus of controversy. Former residents, including celebrity Paris Hilton, have publicly alleged abuse and mistreatment at the facility over a period spanning decades. Although ownership and management have changed over the years, the school has remained under heightened public and regulatory scrutiny as lawmakers, advocates, and former residents have pushed for stronger oversight of Utah's residential treatment industry.

The Disability Law Center said its findings demonstrate that significant improvements are still needed. The organization is calling on Utah regulators to strengthen enforcement efforts, require meaningful corrective actions, and ensure that facilities caring for vulnerable youth meet acceptable standards for safety and treatment. It also recommended greater transparency and accountability when serious incidents occur, arguing that families should be confident their children are receiving appropriate care in residential programs.

State regulators are reviewing the report and the facility's response. While Provo Canyon School has disputed some of the watchdog's conclusions and said it is committed to providing safe, evidence-based treatment, advocates maintain that the documented problems warrant continued oversight and prompt corrective action. The Disability Law Center emphasized that protecting children receiving residential behavioral health treatment must remain the state's highest priority.

Source: "‘Shocking’ conditions at Provo Canyon School should prompt stronger state action, Utah watchdog group urges," Salt Lake Tribune, June 23, 2026.

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Psychiatrist Louis Morelli pleads guilty to 17 felony counts in illegal prescription scheme

New Jersey psychiatrist Louis Morelli has admitted to 17 felony counts for unlawfully prescribing controlled substances, including Adderall, Vyvanse, and Xanax, to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. Federal prosecutors say the prescriptions were written for sexual partners, known drug users, and others, while pharmacies and insurers were misled into believing the prescriptions were valid.

According to court admissions, some prescriptions were exchanged for sexual activity, explicit images, or videos. Prosecutors also said the psychiatrist continued prescribing highly addictive drugs despite repeated warnings from family members and law enforcement that certain patients were overdosing, abusing the medications, or diverting them for illegal resale. At least one unlawful prescription was linked to a death or serious bodily injury.

Morelli has agreed to surrender his DEA registration and medical licenses. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 51 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 27, 2026. Federal authorities said the case underscores their commitment to prosecuting medical professionals who abuse their prescribing authority and endanger public safety.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, June 24, 2026.

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Former Colorado school psychologist James M. Chevrier sentenced for sexual assault of child

A former Colorado high school psychologist has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child while in a position of trust. James Michael Chevrier, who worked in Jefferson County schools, was found guilty by a jury of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, along with drug-related offenses and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

During sentencing, the victim and her family described the lasting trauma caused by Chevrier's actions. Prosecutors argued that he exploited his authority and violated the trust placed in him as a mental health professional working with young people. The court heard that his conduct had a profound impact on the victim and those close to her.

A judge sentenced Chevrier to an indeterminate prison term with a minimum of five years behind bars. He will be required to complete sex offender treatment before becoming eligible for release.

(KUSA NBC News 9, June 18, 2026)

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@cchruk Wrong metric.

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@Freedommag

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Acadia Healthcare: Criminal charges brought in death of Bluesky Thomas; former Sonora Behavioral employee surrenders

A former employee of Sonora Behavioral Health in Tucson has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the 2025 death of patient Bluesky D. Thomas, whose autopsy documented extensive injuries including spinal fractures, a liver laceration, missing teeth and neck hemorrhaging. According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, 28-year-old Bryce Nolan Coleman surrendered to authorities on June 15.

Thomas, 44, died on Oct. 21, 2025, after several violent restraints at Sonora Behavioral. The Pima County medical examiner determined that he died from blunt force injuries and ruled the manner of death as homicide. The autopsy also noted tongue injuries, scalp abrasions and the loss of at least two teeth. Toxicology findings showed the presence of several prescription psychiatric drugs, including lorazepam (Ativan), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), the antipsychotics olanzapine (Risperdal) and haloperidol and other psychiatric drugs.

According to information released by investigators and court records described in television reports, Thomas had become agitated and attempted to leave the facility after receiving sedating medications. Surveillance video reportedly showed Coleman repeatedly forcing Thomas back into his room and becoming increasingly aggressive. Emergency equipment was later brought in after Thomas became unresponsive, and he died at a hospital the following day. One television report stated that the injuries included a broken neck in addition to liver damage and missing teeth.

Sonora Behavioral Health said Coleman was terminated following an internal investigation and that the facility has cooperated with law enforcement authorities.

Thomas’ family is being represented in a wrongful death lawsuit against Sonora by attorney Jennifer Cascio of the law firm Gould, Grieco and Hensley.

The case has renewed attention on Sonora Behavioral Health, which has faced previous scrutiny over patient deaths, lawsuits and regulatory concerns. A local television investigation reported that state inspectors conducted two dozen inspections at the facility over approximately the last three years, resulting in a $10,000 fine earlier this year related to incidents involving multiple patients.

(“Sonora Behavioral patient suffered spine fractures, liver laceration, lost teeth before death, KOLD News 13, June 16, 2026.)

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@drowsygeek Thanks for the repost. This one needs to be spread far and wide.

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Sydney psychiatrist Gopi Ilawala allowed to continue practicing despite sexual assault finding

Psychiatrist Gopi Ilawala has been permitted to continue practicing after being found guilty of sexually assaulting an intoxicated colleague during a 2022 gathering at his home. The woman was reportedly heavily intoxicated and lying on a bed when the incident occurred. A court found him guilty in 2024, although no conviction was formally recorded.

New South Wales' health complaints regulator sought to have the doctor's registration cancelled, arguing that the seriousness of the conduct required strong action to maintain public confidence and deter similar behavior by other practitioners. However, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal chose not to remove his licence.

Instead, the tribunal issued Ilawala a reprimand. The panel cited his remorse, lack of prior convictions, and support from two colleagues. Ilawala had already lost several employment contracts and his Working With Children clearance, but is now working part-time in facilities serving disadvantaged patients and asylum seekers.

(Emily Baker, "Sydney psychiatrist Gopi Ilawala allowed to continue practising after sexual assault conviction, ABC, June 11, 2026)

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Thank you, @BrendeenS, for following Psychcrime on X.