Judge also increases bail to $1.2 million and sends psychologist back to jail

SACRAMENTO – The California Board of Psychology has obtained a license suspension for Dr. Fernando Cordero, 65, who is accused of sexually abusing or attempting to sexually abuse seven women. Cordero, who is charged with 12 felony counts of rape and attempted rape under color of authority, met all his victims while working as a clinical psychologist with Santa Barbara County and as an instructor of sexology at Hancock College.
To protect consumers, the Board requested that a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge suspend Cordero’s license due to the serious nature of the charges against him.
“Given the nature of the charges faced by Dr. Cordero, there is clearly an unacceptable risk of harm to consumers,” said Robert Kahane, the Board’s Executive Officer. “This action will keep him from practicing until the criminal matter is resolved.”
Cordero was initially charged by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office following his Nov. 9 arrest with seven felony counts of sexual assault against one alleged victim, and a misdemeanor count against another alleged victim. He was later charged for a third alleged victim and on December 13, Cordero was charged for the alleged abuse of four more women. In all, Cordero is facing 12 felony counts as well as two misdemeanor counts of attempted sexual exploitation by a psychotherapist or drug abuse counselor. Cordero, who was previously free on bond, was remanded back to jail, with bail set at $1.2 million.

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