12 On Your Side Investigates: Augusta child psychologist accused of abuse will stay behind bars

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - An Augusta child psychologist accused of abusing young patients will remain in prison, despite a tentative parole decision that could have set him free early.

Back in August, 12 On Your Side Investigates learned that the Georgia Parole Board had tentatively granted parole to Dr. Kenneth McPherson.

After learning of the parole decision, 12 On Your Side began reaching out to victims connected to the case to make sure they were aware.

The board allows victims to submit letters before making its final ruling.

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Some of the victims 12 On Your Side contacted said they had not been notified about the tentative release.

They were glad we told them because they wanted to write a letter.

One victim even asked your Meredith Anderson to write one, and she did. We want to be transparent about why.

During the investigation, 12 On Your Side uncovered another issue: the address McPherson provided as his residence upon release appeared to violate Georgia’s sex offender laws.

The property backs up to a neighborhood swimming pool, with a playground and tennis courts—all well within 1,000 feet of his home.

That raised questions about whether his proposed living arrangement would have been legal if he were released.

Victims wanted to ensure the parole board was aware of those concerns. We shared the findings, along with links to all of our earlier reporting, which highlighted how McPherson remained out on bond for more than 10 years without a court date until 12 On Your Side began pressing for answers.

We know multiple people wrote letters.

It’s unclear what swayed the parole board’s decision, but the result is clear: McPherson will remain behind bars.

He is currently housed at Coastal State Prison in Savannah and has about a year left on his sentence.