Psychologist charged in third child assault case

A clinical psychologist employed by the Delaware County Juvenile Court was arrested today on new charges of indecent assault involving a child patient, the third case brought against him since last month.

Jerry Lazaroff, 59, of Villanova, was charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children after a 5-year-old girl told police he had touched her inappropriately during therapy sessions, said Delaware County Deputy District Attorney Michael Galantino.

Lazaroff was suspended without pay from his county position last month after Upper Providence Township police charged him with similar offenses involving a 10-year-old girl. Last week, he was arrested on charges involving a 7-year-old boy.

Lazaroff, through his lawyer, Mark Much, has denied inappropriate contact with child patients. Much could not be reached for comment today.

Lazaroff was released on $100,000 unsecured bail.