Tomah VA counselor arrested on suspicion of sex assault

TOMAH -- Police at the Tomah Veterans Administration Medical Center are investigating allegations that a mental health counselor sexually assaulted patients in the hospital's psychiatric unit.


The 47-year-old man was arrested Monday, January 4th by the Tomah VA police and booked into jail. The La Crosse Tribune reports he was released on a signature bond Tuesday and is expected to be charged next week.

The man is a peer support specialist.

In an email to employees, acting hospital director Victoria Brahm said a patient reported "inappropriate behavior" by an unnamed peer support specialist on Thursday, and he was removed from clinical duties.

The facility in west-central Wisconsin came under scrutiny last year following reports that physicians were prescribing more painkillers than most VA hospitals, and that employees who spoke out were subjected to intimidation.