Washington, DC – District of Columbia Attorney General today announced that a jury has found DC resident Geoffrey Wuzor guilty of practicing psychology without a license. The defendant, who was sentenced on November 30, had been working at a “core service agency” certified by the DC Department of Mental Health.  The core service agency reported and terminated Wuzor as soon as it learned that he had no such license.  While Wuzor did some 30 hours of graduate work at Howard University, he obtained no degree that would qualify him for a license to practice psychology.  He did obtain a “doctorate degree” in Theocentric Psychology from an online program offered by LaSalle University in Louisana, LaSalle is not an accredited entity recognized by the US Department of Education.
 “A license is not just a piece of paper, but an assurance that those who hold themselves out to the public have the training and skill to provide the care they promise,” Attorney General Singer said. “Our licensing requirements are serious and are put into place to safeguard the public.  I am particularly concerned that Wuzor worked with children.”
The sentence included jail time of 30 days on the nine counts of practicing without a license, with execution of the sentence suspended except for 12 days to be served on weekends starting December 7, 2007, and 30 days on the seven counts of misrepresenting himself as a psychologist, with execution of sentence suspended. Wuzor additionally was placed on probation for 18 months thereafter and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service within the first year. He also was ordered to pay a fine of $800 for each of the 16 counts.  The judge stated that the jail time was in part for its deterrent value.  The case was handled by Senior Assistant Attorney General Maureen Zaniel.