News Summary
Kenneth McPherson, a child psychologist convicted of sexual abuse, has been denied release by the Georgia Parole Board. Victims, including Zachary Potts, opposed his release amidst community concerns regarding safety. The board’s decision reflects advocacy efforts and the importance of victim voices in legal proceedings. McPherson, who accepted a plea deal for sexual exploitation, faces scrutiny due to his intended release address being close to public spaces, raising questions about compliance with sex offender laws.
Augusta, Georgia – Kenneth McPherson, a child psychologist convicted of sexual abuse, has been denied release by the Georgia Parole Board after an initial tentative parole was granted in August. The decision reflects ongoing concerns from victims and community advocates regarding McPherson’s potential reintegration into society.
Zachary Potts, one of McPherson’s victims, expressed that the denial of parole is a significant win for victims seeking justice within the legal system. After learning about McPherson’s tentative parole, Potts, who has been vocal about his experience since he first contacted a local advocacy platform in 2021, promptly wrote to the parole board to voice his opposition against the release.
In the years leading up to the parole decision, Potts and his grandmother had expressed their frustrations about McPherson’s legal situation. They had reached out for assistance after feeling disheartened by the prolonged period McPherson remained out on bond without a scheduled court date, sparking concerns within the community regarding his status as a convicted sex offender.
Criticism centered around McPherson’s ability to freely walk the streets, especially since he wasn’t registered as a sex offender during that time. The situation prompted a closer investigation, which ultimately brought McPherson before a judge for the first time since his arrest, illustrating how community advocacy can influence legal proceedings.
Though the specific reasons for the Georgia Parole Board’s denial of McPherson’s tentative parole remain unclear, it is believed that the letters written by Potts and other victims played a crucial role in influencing the board’s decision. Notably, an investigation revealed that McPherson’s proposed release address was situated within 1,000 feet of a neighborhood swimming pool and park, presenting a potential violation of Georgia’s sex offender laws.
Despite McPherson’s ongoing sentence, which allows him one more year before an expected release, many victims like Potts advocate against any early release, fearing it may pose a risk to the community. Potts has encouraged fellow victims to raise their voices, motivating them to pursue justice when they feel overlooked by the system.
In previous legal proceedings, McPherson accepted a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Multiple counts of child molestation charges were dropped as part of this agreement. Originally indicted in 2011, McPherson was sentenced to five years in prison followed by ten years of probation, and he is mandated to register as a sex offender upon release.
Evidence supporting the claims of abuse against McPherson was substantiated by investigators, revealing a camera card connected to one of his patients. Victims who spoke in court conveyed their emotional turmoil resulting from the abuse, calling for more stringent punishments for McPherson, who entered an Alford plea, which allowed him to maintain his innocence technically while acknowledging the risk of a conviction had the case proceeded to trial.
After the trial, survivors and their families gathered outside the courthouse, finding support and solace in their shared experiences. Many expressed dissatisfaction with the plea deal, believing it did not provide adequate justice for the harm endured.
As the community continues to advocate against McPherson’s potential early release, the recent denial from the Georgia Parole Board stands as a testament to their efforts and a reminder of the importance of victim voices in the justice system.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Child Psychologist Denied Parole Amid Abuse Allegations
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Victim Speaks After Parole Denied
- Augusta Chronicle: Psychologist Sentenced
- WRDW: Could McPherson Get Out of Prison Early?
- Wikipedia: Sex Offender
- WRDW: McPherson’s Moving Day
- Google Search: Child Psychologist Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
