Therapist accused of sexual abuse to be released with ankle monitor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – An Albuquerque therapist accused of sexually abusing a teenage patient appeared before a judge Monday.

Krishna Vemulapalli was sent to prison for the first time about a week ago. On Monday, prosecutors argued to keep him there.

Vemulapalli is accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old patient.

“He started by touching her rather innocently on the leg or thigh and then gradually moved upwards. And then he would also make sexually suggestive comments,” the prosecutor said.

According to court documents, Vemulapalli had been treating this patient since she was 11 years old.

The alleged victim told her parents in March that she had been abused. She reportedly recorded a confession during one of her therapy sessions.

“During the recording, the defendant not only admitted to touching her, but also that it was sexually motivated,” prosecutors said.

Prosecutors argued Vemulapalli was a danger to the community. They say the allegations against him – along with the veiled threats reportedly made in that recording – prove he poses a danger.

“You tell someone I have to release all your records so everyone knows what you do.”

His defense attorney said he could be safely released.

“This appears to be an isolated incident involving an isolated relationship and there is no indication that this is threatening beyond this specific scenario,” the defense said.

He noted that Vemulpalli is not currently receiving customers.

“He only served clients through this agency and resigned when it went bust. Therefore, there is no communication with any patient at this stage and we imagine we will not pursue this further under the circumstances,” the defense said.

Judge Britt Baca-Miller sided with the defense.

“I will deny the state’s request for preventive detention,” Baca-Miller said.

She said strict conditions for release should ensure everyone’s safety, including GPS monitoring.

“Mr. Vemulapalli, you will not be released until a GPS monitor is available to the investigating authorities,” said Baca Miller.

He should also not return to the clinic where the alleged abuse took place. He is not allowed to have contact with the alleged victim or possible witnesses in the case and the judge said he should avoid contact with children under 18.

When he begins therapy again, he cannot accept anyone under the age of 18 as a patient without the court first holding a hearing to grant him permission.

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