Phony counselor charges mount against ex-church leader

ST. PETERSBURG — Richard O'Toole, the former First Unity Church board member accused of phony psychology, now faces four more criminal charges of providing mental health counseling without a license.

On Thursday, police arrested O'Toole, 69, for the second time in two months. Arrest affidavits say O'Toole counseled three men, including a 16-year-old, at his home and at First Unity. He counseled one man twice.

One of the victims came forward after reading a recent St. Petersburg Times article detailing how three leaders of a youth group said they were forced out of the church after raising concerns about O'Toole.

They said the church's minister, the Rev. Temple Hayes, ignored their suspicions that O'Toole was making inappropriate sexual advances toward young teenage men.

One of the youth group leaders, Francine Arrington, has filed a whistle-blower lawsuit against the church.

Church officials have declined to comment on the allegations because of the pending litigation.

O'Toole smiled as police led him out of his house and into a cruiser Thursday. When asked if he had anything to say, O'Toole replied: "No, thanks. We're going to let the courts take care of it."

O'Toole now faces 10 charges of practicing medicine without a license. He is not charged with any crimes involving sexual abuse against children and is not on the state sex offender registry. But police say they are still investigating whether O'Toole may have engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with youths, in addition to whether any more people were duped by his claims of being a mental health specialist.

"The investigation is still ongoing, and we still have a lot of work to do," said detective Joe Gasper.

According to the lawsuit, Arrington first learned O'Toole had made sexual advances toward two young men in early 2007. She said she reported the conduct to Hayes, and learned that Hayes had been contacted by the grandparent of a third young man who also was concerned about O'Toole.

But Hayes continued to let O'Toole interact with youths, the lawsuit says, and fired Arrington in October 2007.

That same month, two other youth group leaders —Arrington's husband, Jim, and Tom Crowley — said they encountered a 17-year-old who did yard work for O'Toole and accused him of making a sexual advance.

The former youth group leaders said they told Hayes about the incident and called police, but authorities could not charge O'Toole in connection with that case because of insufficient evidence.

Comments on this article

by YOU SE Region	Apr 15, 2008 1:32 PM
First Unity Member -Do you even know Francine? Or you just going by what people have told you and want you to believe? Seems to me that you are acting as follower. As a YOUer,Francine has been there for me in more ways than you will ever underst

by LongTime Unity Bob	Apr 15, 2008 1:18 PM
I've been part of Unity for 33 years. There is absolutely nothing "Unity Like" with comments from First Unity! The Fillmore's taught love & truth seeking from any background. Jesus never looked for the truth with ego &

by PeterS	Apr 15, 2008 1:17 PM
Reading this a little more - Here's some truth - You appear to be right on with your comments. Most people on this Blog appear to be in Phase 2. for those of you being ridiculed by these various members - Hang tight...you're

by PeterS	Apr 14, 2008 8:47 PM
Frist Unity Member - While I have no involvement in this other than reading the article, your retort really concerns me - who are you protecting? the church or the community? Your comments appear extremely defensive. Why?

by Cast no Stones	Apr 14, 2008 8:47 PM
I agree w/ Former First Unity member that bashing is non-Unity, but calling FUnity "a god-forsaken church" is also counterproductive bashing.

by Frist Unity Member	Apr 14, 2008 6:46 PM
PeterS the problem was dealt with swiftly, as soon as it was known. What irks me is the twisting of the truth & the slanderous campaigning from folks seeking self aggrandizement, martyrdom & lawsuit money. Enough already.

by PeterS	Apr 14, 2008 6:23 PM
As I read this Blog, I am struck by an interesting reality - those of you who claim to be part of this church are ignoring the content of this article and attacking others. Why are you afraid to admit you have an internal problem and deal with i

by Former FUC YOU	Apr 14, 2008 6:22 PM
As a former YOU'er, you people need to wake up! These people you are attacking have done more for the teens than anybody else in that church. They have integrity and helped make me the person I am today and I am offended by your accusations. Gro

by Appalled	Apr 14, 2008 6:21 PM
You people who claim to be "Unity' or from this church are absolutely amazing. This article has nothing to do with you, Francine, the board, whatever. It's about a man who now has 10 charges against him. Wake up and take action. Stop t

by Amazing	Apr 14, 2008 5:17 PM
Amazing,that you proclaim membership in this church then spew hate, venom, and malcontent.Is this a Christian church?SPPolice are investigating and have enough evidence for the State's Attorney to authorize 10 felony charges. From a 16 yr old bo

by underestimated	Apr 14, 2008 5:10 PM
First Unity Member- Why do you think Francine is all about money and chaos? Do you think that by attacking Francine and those involved, people will automatically believe you? Quit drinking the kool-aid, people, it's poisoned.

by Disgusted	Apr 14, 2008 4:06 PM
Sooo interesting how most posters have given themselves the role of judge, jury & executioner based on a one-sided, lurid, & misleading article. If this was 100 years ago would these people be the first to ogle at a public hanging?

by Frist Unity Member	Apr 14, 2008 2:54 PM
The only bashing,twisting, & venomous campaigning that's been going on has been from Francine et al. Concern for kids? Why didn't she call herself then, IMMEDIATELY, months ago? It's more fun to create chaos collect lawsuit$$ &

by Former First Unity Member	Apr 14, 2008 1:50 PM
First Unity Member - I cannot wait for everything to come out and truth to be revealed. Bashing Francine and her "groupies" on a public forum, is sad and pathetic... and you practice Unity? Im soo glad I left that god forsaken church!!

by Zeal	Apr 14, 2008 1:45 PM
This whole situation is very sad. Seems to me, there is alot of he said she said stuff being told. I would advise everyone of you to look within yourselves for the real truth. This man should be off the streets, and our children should be safe.

by Celtic Fan	Apr 14, 2008 1:19 PM
This is about protecting children!! Not about egos and clueless church members!!

by First Unity member	Apr 14, 2008 12:29 PM
Righton Linda. Everything here has been twisted. Francine RESIGNED. She & her groupies needed to go,alongw/their YEARS of negativity, unrelated to Otoole. This is the 3rd church where Francine has created chaos! AND, BTW,FUnity DID take swift act

by Far Out Unity	Apr 14, 2008 11:55 AM
I don't go to this church but am part of Unity. While there are questions about its leadership, the real focus here should be on your youth and what can be done as a community to get this man off the streets. Then you can bicker about the church

by Peaceout	Apr 13, 2008 9:39 AM
Soulset/Linda-I echo your comments. I don't go to this church, but I know people who do and know this pastor as fair & honest. Enough of this public persecution without facts and data.

by out of towner	Apr 13, 2008 8:32 AM
Linda - one sided? I have heard of "someone" calling the youth leaders who were "released" liars and that they dont know what they are talking about? And this was said at church youth rally? Kinda of hypocritical dont you thi

by Linda	Apr 11, 2008 6:41 PM
Funny how the comments to this story are slanted towards one side. There have been many posts in support of this leader that aren't making it to this board.It's time to contact the St. Pete Times to look into the tie between this reporter

by soulset	Apr 11, 2008 6:40 PM
Something stinks here. Let's get an arbitrator to hear all the facts of this case and tell the public the WHOLE story!

by Truth	Apr 11, 2008 6:38 PM
I KNOW the truth. Dear God, hold our youth, church, board, staff and all those involved in this in healing light. Amen

by Goofy	Apr 11, 2008 6:37 PM
Pay Attention - I couldn't agree more. if the first article brought people in, hopefully this one will bring more and more people in. It's time for this to end and get him off the street...for good. Please do your part and call the SPP

by Goofy	Apr 11, 2008 5:49 PM
Truth - where do you think he found his "clients"? within the church and its newsletters...and who runs the church and is responsible for everything that goes on there? I'm amazed at how many people are MORE willing to protest her

by Disgusted	Apr 11, 2008 4:37 PM
Truth- Did you read the article? You must be on the board and following your "hitler" based on what "she" states is true. Re-think your words, for there is nothing to follow but the "truth!"

by Truth	Apr 11, 2008 4:10 PM
No leader is pleading ignorant. We want justice to prevail and our youth and community protected, just like you do. I can see by this how a group of people can turn ugly, like hitler.

by Truth	Apr 11, 2008 4:09 PM
Hey Funny - this has nothing to do with Temple so lets not be confused. The board and she have cooperated and helped the police all along. We LOVE our youth and also want them protected!

by Elizabeth	Apr 11, 2008 2:03 PM
Four more counts!! He thinks it's funny and the church and it's leaders still plead ignorance. It won't be so funny when those that deserve to be, are behind bars!!

by FUNNY	Apr 11, 2008 2:02 PM
WOW, this is a shock! He is arrested again?! For all of you who thought the youth leaders were lying, and you listened to Temple, rather than the children... sit back and enjoy the show!!

by Janan	Apr 11, 2008 1:53 PM
Interesting that the police called the reporter to be present for the arrest. I thought the Time had higher standards than the Jerry Springer Show.

by Pay Attention	Apr 11, 2008 1:51 PM
How many more people have to come forward and arrests have to be made to understand when there is smoke there is a fire.Please if you have any information or contact with this man please call the police.You may have info that can stop this evil one.

by Pay Attention	Apr 11, 2008 1:50 PM
16 year old boys do not come forward easily, how many young boys does it take for the community to understand this guy was preying on your children.Pay attention,open your eyes, this person is not helping people.Our young are important listen to them

by Here's some truth	Apr 11, 2008 1:43 PM
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." -Schopenauer

by WOW	Apr 11, 2008 1:32 PM
It's not like he was NEVER licensed - he was licensed in another state from what I hear & retired in FL. FACTS PEOPLE! Innocent until proven guilty!