Portland social worker practiced for months after complaint of sexual relations with client

A Portland-based social worker continued to work for months after state regulators first received a complaint accusing him of having a sexual relationship with a client.

Kelly F. O’Rourke, 51, was arrested July 1, six months after a complaint was filed with the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure. He continued to practice during that time and his license was still active as of Monday.

O’Rourke’s attorney confirmed to the Portland Press Herald that his client has been charged with a felony based on allegations that O’Rourke had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a client. He was charged under Maine’s gross sexual assault law, which makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, for a social worker to engage in a sexual act with a current client.

A background check turned up no criminal record for O’Rourke in Maine.

Read more: http://www.pressherald.com/2016/07/12/portland-social-worker-practiced-for-months-after-complaint-of-sexual-relations-with-client/