NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. -- A former psychotherapist of a Virginia children’s hospital will stand trial on sex charges in February.
Hershel “Mickey” Harden appeared in New Kent County Circuit Court for a status hearing Monday morning.
Harden waived his right to a speedy trial.
The two day jury trial will begin February 10, 2021.
Harden has been charged with two counts of object sexual penetration by force. The 72-year-old was a psychotherapist at Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents.
Investigators say the crimes happened in 2018 and 2019, and the Virginia Attorney General’s office confirms that the victim was a former female patient at the New Kent hospital.
The Virginia Attorney General's office is prosecuting the case against Harden who remains out on bond.
The court warned Harden back in July his bond was in jeopardy of being revoked if his wife had further contact with his alleged victim.
CBS 6 has been looking into complaints regarding Cumberland Hospital for more than a year. CBS 6 first reported that Virginia State Police have been investigating multiple allegations of abuse and neglect at Cumberland Hospital since 2017.
The Attorney General’s office is asking anyone with information about the allegations against Harden, or other allegations at Cumberland Hospital, to contact the Virginia State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations at (804) 537-6788.
