Sussex County counselor suspended five years, fined $20,000 for alleged sexual misconduct, AG Platkin says
SUSSEX COUNTY, N.J. — A Sussex County alcohol and drug counselor has been suspended from practice for five years and fined $20,000 for allegedly engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct and harassment in the workplace, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Friday.
Jon E. Boschen, who is also licensed as a clinical social worker, allegedly harassed and intimidated two women he supervised at an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center and engaged in a personal and sexual relationship with one of them, according to the Division of Consumer Affairs. Boschen was also terminated from a separate counseling position after a client reported that he repeatedly made inappropriate, sexualized comments to her during counseling sessions.
Boschen agreed to the suspension of his licenses to practice alcohol and drug counseling and clinical social work in New Jersey to resolve allegations that he violated professional conduct rules and prohibitions against sexual misconduct and harassment.
“Sexual misconduct, harassment, and abuse by licensed professionals in the workplace is an insidious threat than can cause severe harm to victims,” Attorney General Platkin said. “We will continue to investigate complaints of this nature and hold violators accountable to ensure New Jersey’s professional settings remain safe and respectful environments for all.”
“New Jersey’s healthcare licensees are expected to comply with the highest professional and ethical standards,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “This licensee fell far short of those standards and is facing significant consequences for his conduct.”
Under a final consent order filed with the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners’ Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee and the State Board of Social Work Examiners, Boschen is barred for five years from practicing social work, alcohol and drug counseling, or any mental health counseling, clinical supervision or life coaching in the state, whether paid or volunteer. He must also pay $20,000 in civil penalties — $10,000 to each board — upon signing the order.
During the suspension period, Boschen may not profit from services rendered by others and is prohibited from managing or supervising any social work or counseling practice, providing expert testimony, or serving as a consultant in New Jersey. The suspension will be tolled during any period in which he practices in another jurisdiction.
The investigation was conducted by the Division of Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau, and the case was handled by Deputy Attorney General Michelle Mikelberg under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section.
Patients who believe they have experienced inappropriate treatment from a licensed health care professional may file a complaint online with the Division of Consumer Affairs or call 973-504-6200. Multilingual information about filing sexual misconduct complaints is available on the Division’s website.
