Shane Michael Larson, 46, has been charged with three counts of sexual penetration by a psychotherapist and one count of hiring for sexual activity, according to a Thursday statement from the Watertown Police Department.
Larson was arrested Jan. 29 following an investigation that began Jan. 15. Officers had discovered evidence that Larson, a licensed psychologist, had allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with an individual who had sought services at his office. These incidents reportedly took place during 2022 and 2023, leading to three counts of sexual penetration by a psychotherapist.
Additionally, investigators uncovered a separate incident in which Larson is alleged to have engaged in sexual activity during 2023 under circumstances that led to the charge of hiring for sexual activity.
According to court documents, on Jan 15, Larson reported an attempted extortion to law enforcement. Larson claimed that an individual was demanding $25,000 and threatened to expose an affair between Larson and a female client whose husband was jailed. The woman confirmed multiple sexual encounters in 2023 and further stated that Larson had paid her a sum of money between 200-300 dollars following their first encounter.
Further investigation unearthed additional allegations involving another former client; this time a registered sex offender. The man reported that Larson had engaged in sexual acts with him on three occasions between 2022 and March 2023. The former client claimed he felt intimidated by Larson due to his physical stature and authority.
Larson was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Codington County Detention Center. The case remains under investigation.
Larson operates Compass Counseling and Assessments in Watertown. According to his LinkedIn profile, Larson is a certified clinical mental health counselor and clinical member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers.