Hudson Valley Lawyer Accused of Sexually Touching Another Woman
A Hudson Valley lawyer who admitted he sexually touched a female client is accused of touching another woman.
On Friday, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office charged 64-year-old Wayne Thatcher of Poughkeepsie with forcible touching, a misdemeanor.
Police began an investigation after a woman alleged Thatcher sexually touched her.
“The investigation that led to this arrest was initiated when the female victim came forward and filed a complaint, and is independent of the previous cases that led to Mr. Thatcher’s arrest and guilty plea earlier this year,” Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Captain John Watterson said in a press release.
In September, Thatcher, an attorney whose office is located in the Town of Poughkeepsie, pleaded guilty to forcible touching, a misdemeanor.
Thatcher admitted that on May 16, he forcibly touched the private parts of a female client, for his own sexual gratification, while serving as the woman’s attorney.
Following an investigation by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, a number of clients came forward and accused the lawyer of engaging in continual inappropriate sexual conduct.
At least seven people came forward with information relating to incidents involving Thatcher, leading to additional charges against Thatcher.
However, there was insufficient evidence to convict Thatcher in those cases, according to Bureau Chief for the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Special Victims Bureau Kristine Whelan.
If anyone has information regarding similar incidents involving Thatcher, police urge you to contact Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at (845) 486-3852 and ask for Detective Harris. Anyone with information may also contact the Sheriff’s Office tipline at (845) 605-2583 or at dcsotips@gmail.com. All information will be kept confidential.
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