NJ Revokes Sewell Psychologist's License Over Sexual Misconduct

SEWELL, NJ — The state has revoked the license of a psychologist who ran a private practice in Sewell after he engaged in a sexual relationship with a patient that began when the patient was 17, authorities announced.

Daniel Davenport, 53, also lied about both the nature and duration of the relationship during the subsequent investigation, according to Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Paul Rodriguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

The Board of Psychological Examiners unanimously voted to revoke Davenport’s license, upholding an administrative law judge’s initial decision on the complaint, authorities said.

Davenport must also pay civil penalties totaling $45,000, and the state will receive its full costs in investigating and prosecuting this matter of $55,057.

Administrative Law Judge Susan M. Scarola has ruled that the relationship began when the patient was a minor and went on for more than a year, authorities said.

“When a licensee uses their influence over a vulnerable client to commit sexual misconduct, that is a violation of trust and professional standards that carries serious consequences in New Jersey,” Grewal said. “I commend the Board for holding this psychologist accountable for his actions, and for its commitment to protecting the public by ensuring that predators cannot hide behind a professional license.”

The board ruled that Davenport’s actions amounted to gross negligence and professional misconduct, authorities said. The fact that Davenport then left out details and downplayed what happened showed he “lacks the good moral character required for licensure by the board,” authorities said.

“Davenport displayed a flagrant disregard for the emotional and physical well-being of his teenage client who had courageously sought out therapy,” Rodríguez said. “We take sexual allegations very seriously, and the resolution of this case should send a clear message to all licensed professionals who may be tempted to violate the public trust and duty they owe to their patients."

The Division of Consumer Affairs is conducting a review of how its 51 professional boards — which oversee approximately 720,000 active licensed professionals, from accountants and doctors to plumbers and veterinarians — address allegations involving sexual misconduct and abuse by licensees and applicants for licenses.

As part of the review, the division is evaluating how boards screen applicants for licenses, approach investigations of alleged misconduct and discipline, and engage with complainants who report abuses by a licensee or applicant.

Patients who believe that they have been treated inappropriately by a licensed health care professional can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 973-504-6200 to request a complaint form.