A former therapist in Idaho Falls has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to sexual abuse or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Robert Stahn, 65, received a sentence of four to thirteen years from District Judge Michael Whyte. However, the judge suspended the sentence and instead placed Stahn on probation for ten years. Stahn will also have to serve 60 days in jail, along with completing 100 hours of community service, registering as a sex offender, and paying $3,405 in fees.
Stahn initially pleaded not guilty to the charges after his arrest in May, but later accepted a plea agreement in October. The agreement stated that Stahn would plead guilty in exchange for the prosecution recommending probation at his sentencing. During the proceedings, Stahn’s attorney requested a withheld judgement, which would allow for the charge to be dismissed if Stahn successfully completed probation.
According to Stahn’s attorney, John Stosich, his client acknowledged the impact of his poor choices and was committed to personal growth and self-improvement. Stosich stated, There were a lot of things going on in Bob’s life that he was unhappy with… resulted in this disclosure which he felt was important and still does to his efforts to improve himself as a person, as a partner, and as a father and grandfather.
Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Thomason argued for probation in accordance with the plea agreement. Thomason acknowledged the uniqueness of the case, as Stahn was the caregiver of the victim and had violated the trust placed in him. Thomason emphasized that without Stahn’s self-disclosure, the crimes might have gone undetected.
In his ruling, Judge Whyte considered several factors, including Stahn’s age, lack of criminal history, and the fact that Stahn had voluntarily admitted to the crimes. Whyte expressed the difficulty in deciding to grant probation for crimes of this nature but deemed it appropriate given the circumstances.
Whyte noted Stahn’s age, his lack of any previous criminal history, and the fact that he disclosed the crime on his own as reasons why he was placing Stahn on probation, the article read.
In December 2023, Stahn provided a written confession detailing his history of sexual deviancy to a woman, which ultimately led to his arrest. The letter described his abuse of vulnerable adults under his care, who were nonverbal and had the cognitive abilities of 18-month-olds. Stahn admitted to using one victim as a sexual object and creating scenarios that allowed him to view her undressed.
Stahn was the founder of Well Spring Counseling in Idaho Falls before retiring in 2023. He had worked in the field of psychology and substance abuse for 40 years.
The sentencing of Stahn raises questions about the trust placed in caregivers and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable adults. While the judge’s decision to grant probation may be controversial, it reflects the unique circumstances and Stahn’s self-disclosure. As Stahn begins his probation, the hope is that he will truly take responsibility for his actions and actively engage in the process of self-improvement.