A former Virginia therapist is facing 10 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor, the Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney's Office said.
A jury convicted Gary Hankins, 45, of Arlington, Virginia, of six felonies related to sexual acts with a 17-year-old victim, prosecutors said. After the verdict, Hankins' bail was revoked and he was taken to an Alexandria detention center.
In April 2014, the victim visited Hankins, who was employed as a licensed clinical social worker, for the purpose of receiving therapy, prosecutors said. Hankins proceeded to expose himself to the victim, propose sexual contact and sexually abuse the victim.
A search warrant affidavit obtained by News4's Northern Virginia Bureau revealed the teen’s parents contacted authorities after finding sexually suggestive texts from Hankins on the teen’s phone. The search warrant was used to seize Hankins laptop and phone. The affidavit revealed that the teen admitted to investigators that he had sex with Hankins in his office and that Hankins showed the teen naked photos of himself on his computer.
The jury recommended 20 months in prison on each of the six counts.
“The just sentence recommended by the jury was appropriate because the defendant used his position as a therapist to sexually exploit a minor,” Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter said.
Hankins will be sentenced by the judge July 30.
