Jack Edson, former president of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association, charged with Sexual Contact with young patients

The Associated Press

Psychiatrist Charged With Sex Crime in Hospital

June 23, 1983

A former president of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association have been charged with having sexual contact with adolescent boys in an Eau Claire hospital.

Jack D. Edson, 54, was freed on $5,000 bond Wednesday after a Circuit Court judge scheduled a hearing July 19 concerning the 18-count complaint.

William Lamb of the Eau Claire County district attorney’s office said Edson is accused of indecently touching patients aged 12-17 between 1979 and May 1983, sometimes telling them the activity was therapeutic.

He completed a two-year term as president of the association in February. The complaint stems from a one month investigation, police said.

Luther Hospital, where the alleged incidents occurred, said Edson resigned from its staff June 8.

Northwest Psychiatric Clinic, Edson’s chief employer, has requested his resignation, clinic administrator Dale Southard said.

Each count represents a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $10,000, officials said.