TRENTON, NJ – A Sussex County alcohol and drug counselor has been suspended from practice for five years and fined $20,000 after allegedly engaging in sexual misconduct and harassment in the workplace, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.
The disciplinary action against Jon E. Boschen, who is also a licensed clinical social worker, follows allegations that he harassed two female employees he supervised at a rehabilitation facility and entered into a personal and sexual relationship with one of them.
Boschen was also terminated from a separate counseling job after a client reported that he made repeated inappropriate sexual comments during sessions.
The suspension and penalties were issued 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.
Key Points
- Jon E. Boschen suspended from practice for five years and fined $20,000.
- Allegations included harassment of employees and inappropriate sexual comments to a client.
- Consent order prohibits him from working in any mental health, counseling, or supervisory role in New Jersey.
Attorney general calls misconduct “an insidious threat”
Attorney General Platkin said sexual misconduct by licensed professionals “can cause severe harm to victims,” adding that his office will continue to hold violators accountable to maintain safe professional environments.
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said Boschen’s actions “fell far short” of the ethical standards expected of New Jersey’s healthcare licensees.
Details of the consent order
Under the order, Boschen is barred for five years from practicing social work, alcohol and drug counseling, or any form of mental health counseling in New Jersey, whether paid or volunteer.
He must pay $10,000 each to the State Board of Social Work Examiners and the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. He is also prohibited from managing, supervising, or profiting from counseling services provided by others and may not serve as an expert witness or consultant during the suspension.
The suspension period will be extended if Boschen practices in another state during that time.
Investigation and consumer guidance
The case was investigated by the Division of Consumer Affairs Enforcement Bureau and prosecuted by the Division of Law’s Professional Boards Prosecution Section.
The Attorney General’s Office urged patients who have experienced inappropriate conduct by a licensed healthcare professional to file a complaint online with the Division of Consumer Affairs or call 973-504-6200 for assistance.