VAN NUYS : Therapist Accused of Rape Will Be Retried

After a first trial concluded without a verdict, prosecutors announced Monday that they will retry an Antelope Valley psychologist accused of raping a woman who had been referred to him after she filed a sexual-harassment complaint.

Charles Catanese, who maintains offices in Van Nuys, faces charges of forcible rape, sexual battery and attempted oral copulation stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred Jan. 2, 1992, at his remote Lancaster residence.

The victim, a 38-year-old employee of the Los Angeles County Probation Department, was referred to Catanese in late 1991 after seeking a stress-related disability because she was allegedly sexually harassed by several men she worked with at a juvenile detention facility.

The woman testified during the trial that Catanese lured her to his home with promises of treatment based on homeopathic medicine and scriptural readings. She testified that Catanese told her that the rape was part of a “desensitization” treatment.

Catanese admits striking up a friendship with the woman, but he denies attacking her or even seeing her on the day she claims the attack occurred.

The jury split 6 to 6 in the first trial. Attorneys on both sides agree that the case can be boiled down to the issue of credibility.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert Foltz told Catanese and his attorney, Russell Iungerich, that he will continue to seek a conviction against the psychologist, whose license has been suspended by an administrative law judge.

“We think that Dr. Catanese will be vindicated, and we expect that the second trial will result in acquittal,” Iungerich said.