A Virginia woman who pretended to be a psychologist and «cured» more than 100 patients was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
According to the Fredricksburg Free Lance-Star, 44-year-old Sharonda Avery practiced for three years at Pediatric Partners for Attention and Learning in Stafford, where she worked under the guidance of a licensed physician.
Over the years, Avery has been making false diagnoses, prescribing prescriptions for her patients — in particular, children, and testifying in court as a medical expert.
“Your lies and distortion of facts are truly amazing. — said Judge Charles Sharp during the hearing on the case on Friday. “I don’t think I’ve ever come across a case where nonviolent action would cause so much damage.”
Avery's lawyer argued that she was mentally ill and had not taken any medication in recent years, while Attorney Greg Holt insisted she was a top-notch «fraud.»
“Her actions influenced other people's lives, harmed them. — Holt is quoted by Free Lance-Star — «She not only stole [clients] money, she stole their trust.»
Avery was sentenced to 46 years in prison — and, although 35 of them will be probation, this is still significantly more than the originally recommended period of 2 years and 3 months.
Announcing the verdict, Sharpe called the woman's actions «unforgivable.»
“You have undermined the reliability of the entire system,” he stressed.
