a google news alert i could’ve done without
Posted by Ellen Elmarry on 15 Dec 2007 | Tagged as: Uncategorized
Andrews University professor faces sexual conduct charge
By DEBRA HAIGHT
Tribune CorrespondentBERRIEN SPRINGS — A part-time Andrews University professor has been charged with criminal sexual conduct stemming from an alleged incident at his home in rural Oronoko Township.John Berecz was arraigned last week on a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving contact and is scheduled to be back in court Friday for a hearing.
The case will be heard by Berrien County Trial Judge Charles LaSata in St. Joseph after Judge Scott Schofield disqualified himself. The maximum penalty for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct is two years in jail.
Berecz has been a psychology professor at Andrews since 1971 and is the author of several books and magazine articles. He changed to part-time status in 1989 to devote more time to his private counseling practice.
Andrews released a statement Friday saying that university officials confirmed Dec. 3 that criminal charges had been filed against Berecz and met with Berecz last week.
“On Tuesday, December 3 (sic), 2007, after meeting with Dr. Berecz, university administration approved his request for retirement, effective this month,” the statement said.
“Because the pending criminal charges address alleged behavior in Dr. Berecz’s private practice, and do not involve persons from the Andrews campus, any further questions should be addressed to Dr. Berecz or his attorney.”
Berecz’s attorney, Thomas Gezon, of Grand Rapids, would not comment on the case.
He did say that under Michigan law, a mental health professional can be charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct if any sexual contact occurs during or within two years of the period in which the victim is his client or patient, even if the contact is consensual.
The Michigan Department of Community Health’s Web site indicates neither an open complaint nor any disciplinary action being taken in the past against Berecz. Berecz currently has an active license as a psychologist.
13 Comments »
on 15 Dec 2007 at 5:33 pm 1.Matthew said …
I saw him at the library this week! Freaky. We even had a chit chat about reparative therapy before I left Andrews (then came back)…
on 15 Dec 2007 at 5:35 pm 2.Matthew said …
Wait, it had to have been last week since I was writing papers for my finals madness…
on 21 Dec 2007 at 2:34 am 3.ashley said …
Remember that these are ALLEGED charges! Even if these accounts are true, it is important to note that many Americans have made the same or similar mistakes. Dr. Berecz has many clients who value his insight and wisdom towards making changes in their lives. From personal experience, he has helped me overcome a serious alcohol addiction and make many positive changes in my life. Without his counseling, I would probably still be floundering in an unhealthy lifestyle. Everyone makes mistakes, and it is important to note that he has done much more good than bad.
on 01 Jan 2008 at 8:59 pm 4.Brenda said …
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on 16 Jan 2008 at 12:32 am 5.watchdog said …
This man is a sociopathic pervert and he deserves to be in jail.. He devastated many people with his twisted behavior. He is an arrogant, egotistical liar who was FOUND GUILTY in a court of law!! Read the paper- maybe he can be your “Good Daddy”. He was creepy in class and I’m glad he’s gone!
on 17 Jan 2008 at 5:12 pm 6.andriy said …
Hey, so read in the newspaper today that this guy got jailtime and has to register as a sex offender. I guess he pleaded guilty… wow.. creepy!
on 25 Jan 2008 at 1:07 am 7.Brad said …
Dr. Berecz was far from creepy in the classroom. Only a student with the intellectual inability to comprehend his thought-provoking lectures would make such an outlandish claim. Dr. Berecz made an error in judgment; nothing more and nothing less. Personally, I can’t believe we live in a society that would legally require anyone to register as a sex offender for having consensual relations with another adult. Someone explain to me how our legal system can justify sending Dr. Berecz to jail while letting Bill Clinton hold the highest position in the land after abusing his power as President of the United States to seduce a young intern.
on 19 Feb 2008 at 4:48 pm 8.brett said …
Dr. Berecz treated the “victim” for therapy for two years, had an emotional and physical affair with this woman. Note that both he and his client were both married when said actions occurred. They were both adulterous in their actions. Then Dr. Berecz continued to treat his female client, and even also treated HER HUSBAND in couples therapy for marital issues. Not only is Dr Berecz a sick and twisted individual, so is the the woman that pressed charges. She willingly sent her husband to the man that she was having an affair with for therapy. Yes, lives were devasted, and Dr Berecz deserves to be in jail. The man is a creep, and so equally was his client who conveniently was also his victim.
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