Court psychologist charged with public masturbation

A psychologist for the Philadelphia Family Court system was arraigned this morning on charges of indecent exposure for masturbating in his office in front of a window.

Two students from Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School called police on Dec. 2 after spotting Cornelius Fergueson, 45, in a window at the courts building at 18th and Vine Streets, said Tasha Jamerson, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's office.

Fergueson, who was also charged with open lewdness, was released on his own recognizance. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 6, Jamerson said.

The court system released this statement acknowledging the incident:

"Philadelphia Family Court is aware of this alleged incident, which apparently occurred last week. The individual in question is an independent contractor of the Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation, who happens to have an office in the Family Court Building. He is not an employee of Family Court. We are cooperating fully with investigators. Given that this is an open and active investigation, we are prohibited from making any further comment at this time."