Therapist accused of sexually abusing student
A therapist at a Clark Fork, Idaho, school for troubled teenage boys is charged with sexually abusing a student he counseled.
Louis W. Ladenburger, 70, was arrested Wednesday at the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office following an interview with detectives, Undersheriff Charlie Dennis said.
Ladenburger’s interview provided detectives with probable cause to charge him with two felony charges of sexual battery of a minor age 16 or 17, Dennis said.
The alleged crimes occurred in March and April at Elk Mountain Academy and involve the same victim, but Dennis said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Detectives spent three weeks investigating the allegations against Ladenburger and interviewed 17 students from the school, Dennis said. The alleged abuse occurred at the school, he added.
Bonner County Prosecutor Phil Robinson said a student reported the alleged crimes to school administrators, who then contacted law enforcement.
Robinson said he had yet to see the investigative report and knew few details about the alleged crimes.
The school became aware of the allegations on May 5 and immediately notified law enforcement, health and welfare and Child Protective Services, said owner Carl Olding. Ladenburger was immediately terminated, and staff contacted all the parents to notify them of the situation.
“He wasn’t even allowed on campus to pack his desk,” Olding said.
Ladenburger was hired by the school in September 2006, according to a press release at the time. He described himself as a “certified addiction specialist” in the press release.
“I adhere to the value of unconditional care and that means I never give up when it comes to your son,” Ladenburger said in the statement. “I believe that problems communicate unmet needs, and my goal is to face your son with his unmet needs and together find a healthy way to meet those needs.”
Olding wrote in the 2006 release, “We are confident that Louie will step in to provide excellent counseling to your son and help him on his road to recovery.”
The school is located on 90 acres in the Cabinet Mountains. According to its Web site, the Elk Mountain Academy campus includes four houses, two classrooms, a wood shop and a gymnasium. The school’s maximum capacity is 25 students, and enrollment fluctuates. The enrollment is currently 23.
The school was founded by Olding and his wife, Loretta, in 1994, according to the site.
Ladenburger’s first appearance in court is set for 1:15 p.m. today at the Bonner County Courthouse.