Warrant: Former Rochester, MN Therapist Sexually Assaulted Patient for Over 6 Months

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a former Rochester therapist who’s accused of sexually assaulting her patient over a period of several months. 

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Court documents say the Rochester Police Department received a report from the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center regarding the alleged sexual abuse in April. The victim initially denied any abuse had taken place when contacted by Rochester Police but then sent an email to his probation officer containing messages that indicated a sexual relationship was taking place. 

Court documents say the messages, sent by 42-year-old Mandy Erin Hyland, included sexually explicit photos and messages. A series of text messages between the victim and a third party also acknowledged a sexual relationship was taking place. The victim also said he had gone to Hyland’s house and that “he grew attached to Hyland while she was his therapist because she was the one person he could trust,” the warrant states.  

Officers interviewed staff at Hyland’s former psychiatry office in Rochester and learned she had left her post there once the relationship came to light. While at the office an investigator recognized a room from one of the photos the victim shared with his probation officer, court documents say. 

Authorities then executed a search warrant at Hyland’s home and found a room that matched the background of another sexually explicit photo sent to the victim from Hyland. The victim’s probation officer began to grow concerned for his mental health this past Tuesday after he told authorities he tried to cut off Hyland by changing his phone number but said she still tracked him down, according to the warrant. 

The man checked into a local mental health crisis center citing confusion and fear amid Hyland’s continued contact with him. The probation officers say the continued harassment puts the victim in danger of harassment or further criminal sexual conduct, according to court documents.

The warrant says investigators have issued the arrest warrant for Hyland, that charges her with felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct, to put immediate terms in place to prevent Hyland from contacting the victim. The warrant alleges the assaults began last October. As of Friday afternoon, Hyland has not yet been taken into custody.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).