Therapist cleared of sex charges

Jerry Lazaroff's life was turned upside down last year when a 10-year-old girl accused him of sexually abusing her during a therapy session in his Upper Providence office.

Last night, a Delaware County jury rejected the girl's testimony, and that of three other children who leveled similar allegations, acquitting the Radnor psychologist of all charges after deliberating for eight hours.

"It's going to be the beginning of getting my life back," Lazaroff said.

"My man!" defense attorney Mark Much shouted outside the courtroom, as he hugged his tearful client and slapped him on the back.

Lazaroff, 60, was charged last May with indecent assault and related offenses when the girl told police that he had touched her chest and genital area.

After his mug shot appeared on the front page of the newspaper, more families came forward. Two sisters, now ages 6 and 8, testified via closed-circuit television that "Dr. Jerry" had "flicked" them and tickled them inappropriately. An 8-year-old boy said that Lazaroff had tickled his penis outside his clothes - but on some occasions while his parents were in the room.

The children's testimony at times conflicted with that of other witnesses. The oldest girl - whose accusations were the most serious - skipped into the courtroom Tuesday and smiled broadly while on the stand.

"It's as if she's telling you a story that she heard or saw," Much said in his closing argument.

Lazaroff, who had served as director of the juvenile court's family-intervention program prior to his arrest, said that he has treated thousands of children over 34 years. He testified that it was not unusual for him to nudge a child while playing a game to develop a rapport, but adamantly denied ever touching his patients in a sexual manner, saying that he had turned in child abusers.

As he left the courthouse, Lazaroff said that he hopes to resume practicing psychology, treating both children and adults.

"It's been a grueling ordeal," he said. "I think a lot of people jumped to conclusions." *