News Summary
Dr. Kenneth McPherson, a child psychologist, has been denied parole following serious allegations of abuse against young patients. While initially granted tentative parole by the Georgia Parole Board, legal concerns and victim testimonies led to his continued imprisonment. Victims voiced their fears and concerns about McPherson’s potential release, emphasizing public safety and compliance with legal regulations. The case highlights significant issues around the treatment of accused professionals and the need for protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Augusta, Georgia – Child psychologist Dr. Kenneth McPherson has been denied parole following serious allegations of abuse against young patients. Originally tentatively granted parole by the Georgia Parole Board, McPherson will remain in prison as concerns from victims and legal issues surrounding his proposed living arrangements have come to light.
In August, the Georgia Parole Board had made a tentative decision regarding McPherson’s release. However, recent communications from 12 On Your Side Investigates revealed that victims had not been informed of this possible early release. Many expressed relief upon learning about the tentative parole decision, which led them to ensure their voices were heard by the board.
One victim of McPherson’s abuse reached out to a reporter for assistance in submitting a letter to the parole board, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding McPherson’s potential reintegration into the community. The victim’s request showcases the fears and anxieties faced by those who have suffered at the hands of the accused psychologist.
Additionally, the proposed residence for McPherson, should he have been released, raised significant legal questions. The address is reportedly close to a neighborhood swimming pool, playground, and tennis courts, all within 1,000 feet. This proximity would have posed compliance issues with Georgia’s sex offender laws, further complicating his potential parole and highlighting potential risks for the community.
Victims of McPherson’s alleged abuse have been actively voicing their concerns to the parole board, submitting multiple letters to underscore the impact of McPherson’s actions and the need for public safety considerations. These letters played a crucial role in raising awareness of the possible repercussions of his early release.
Further scrutiny revealed that McPherson has been on bond without a court date for over a decade, prompting additional investigations into his case. This raised questions about the transparency of the legal proceedings and whether victims had received adequate justice during this extended period.
While it remains unclear what specific factors ultimately influenced the Georgia Parole Board’s final decision to deny McPherson’s parole, the current standing of the case means that McPherson will continue to serve his sentence at Coastal State Prison in Savannah, Georgia. He is reported to have about a year remaining on his sentence.
The implications of McPherson’s situation extend beyond his individual case, as it underscores broader concerns regarding the treatment of accused professionals and the mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable populations. Advocates for victims emphasize the importance of monitoring the parole process to ensure that individuals with histories of abuse do not pose a continuing threat to the community.
As the legal proceedings surrounding Kenneth McPherson’s case have drawn attention, victims have found a platform to express their fears and ensure that their experiences are not overlooked in the pursuit of justice.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW News: Augusta Child Psychologist Denied Parole
- Wikipedia: Child Psychology
- WJBF News: Court Documents Reveal Alleged Abuse
- Google Search: Augusta Child Psychologist Abuse
- Augusta Magazine: Mental Health Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- Biography: Who Was Augusta Gein
- Google News: Augusta Psychologist
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.
