Delco psychologist faces new assault charges

A clinical psychologist employed by the Delaware County Juvenile Court was arrested yesterday on new charges of indecent assault involving a child patient.

Jerry Lazaroff, 59, of Villanova, was charged with multiple counts of indecent assault, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children after a 7-year-old boy told police that Lazaroff had tickled him so hard it hurt and touched his penis during therapy sessions.

Lazaroff was suspended without pay from his county position earlier this month after Upper Providence Township police charged him with similar offenses involving a 10-year-old girl.

Lazaroff, through his lawyer, Mark Much, has denied inappropriate contact with the girl. Lazaroff told police that the girl misinterpreted active "play therapy" as inappropriate touching, according to a criminal complaint. Much did not return a call for comment today.

Lazaroff was released after posting 10 percent of $200,000 bail. The Delaware County District Attorney's Office is investigating.