Sexual Assault Charges Filed Against Ex-Psychologist from Farmington

FARMINGTON, CT — A former psychologist based in Farmington is being held on a half-million dollar bond after being charged with sexually assaulting a teenage patient in his office nearly two years ago, then preying on her emotional dependency on him by continuing a sexual relationship with her through the following year.

Daniel Affrunti, 67, turned himself in at Farmington police headquarters around 5:40 a.m. Wednesday, and was charged with 12 counts of second-degree sexual assault. Bond was set at $500,000, and he was slated to be arraigned the same day in Hartford Superior Court.

On Sept. 10, 2015, a 19-year-old female reported to Farmington detectives she had been sexually assaulted by Affrunti in his office at 270 Farmington Avenue. An investigation was initiated, during which Affrunti’s license to practice therapy in Connecticut lapsed, and the victim chose not to pursue criminal charges at that time, closing the investigation, according to a police report.

The female victim returned to Farmington police on June 15, 2017, stating she had been involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with Affrunti in 2016. Investigation corroborated the victim’s portrayal of this sexual relationship and showed the victim was still emotionally dependent on Affrunti. An arrest warrant was then prepared and approved, police said.

Mark Sherman, the victim's attorney, said his client is "immensely grateful to law enforcement for their work on this case and hopes that by coming forward, no other patient will have to endure the trauma she suffered."

Photo courtesy of Farmington Police Department