HARRISBURG, PA — Richard Lenhart, a 63-year-old former psychologist from Bellefonte, was sentenced this week to 20 to 40 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of a minor. Lenhart’s crimes occurred over the course of eight years, between 2005 and 2013, in the State College area.
A Centre County jury found Lenhart guilty in August, convicting him on multiple charges, including rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children, and corruption of minors. The investigation into Lenhart also revealed prior convictions for insurance fraud and sexual assaults involving patients from his psychology practice.
Testimony from the victim exposed the ongoing abuse, which began when she was a child. Attorney General Michelle Henry praised the victim’s courage in confronting her abuser, stating, “Thanks to the bravery of this victim to come forward and face her abuser, the defendant will spend years in prison for sexually assaulting her.” She emphasized Lenhart’s betrayal of trust to groom and exploit the victim over a prolonged period.
The prosecution of the case was led by Senior Deputy Attorneys General Michael T. Madeira and Megan McGoron.
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