Counselor Sexually Assaults Patient During Therapy Sessions: Cops

LEMONT, IL -- A counselor at a Lemont residential treatment facility is accused of sexually assaulting a female patient during private therapy sessions. Michael Jacksa, 40, of Joliet, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on felony charges of four counts of criminal sexual assault and one count of criminal sexual abuse.

According to the charges, Jacksa was a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPS) at Timberline Knolls, 40 Timberline Drive, Lemont, a residential treatment facility for women with eating disorders, substance abuse and other mental health conditions. Between May 17 and June 27, Jacksa was treating a 29-year-old patient at the facility. During three separate private therapy sessions, Jacksa, allegedly sexually assaulted the woman using force. The prosecutor said the woman was not in a position to give consent during the encounters. Jacksa allegedly admitted to police that he had assaulted the woman and that he “probably went too far.”

Lemont detectives have since made contact with six other former patients at the treatment facility, who stated that Jacksa was “sexually inappropriate” with them during therapy sessions, the prosecutor said. According to the women, they claim that Jacksa set back their therapeutic treatment.

Jacksa, whose last known address is the 3800 block of Cherry Tree Court in Joliet, is listed as a professional clinical counselor on the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation. His license is active and he has no disciplinary record.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Jacksa has no prior criminal background.

“He’s placed in a position of trust and authority and allegedly takes extreme measures,” Felice said. “It’s a terrible misplacement of trust.”

Bail was set at $1 million. Jacksa is due back in court Sept. 18 in Bridgeview.