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Ex-Church Official Charged Again In Health Care Case

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 11, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - A former board member of First Unity Church was arrested again Thursday after police found four additional instances where he passed himself off as a mental health counselor, even though he is not licensed, authorities say.

Richard O'Toole

Richard T. O'Toole, 69, was charged in March with six counts of the unlicensed practice of a health care profession, a third-degree felony that carries a minimum one-year sentence. Four counts were added Thursday when he was arrested.

According to the new arrest affidavits, O'Toole treated one man for depression at O'Toole's house in 2004. He treated three other men -- one in 2003, one in 2004 and one in 2006 -- for anxiety, depression, or both, at the church, the new affidavits state.

Most or all of the victims were members or former members of the church, which is at 469 45th Ave. N.

O'Toole was released from Pinellas County Jail late Thursday after posting $20,000 bail.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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