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Former psychologist Roberto Velasquez presents binders of rehabilitation evidence; board to deliberate
Summary
Roberto Velasquez, who pleaded guilty to federal offenses a decade ago and surrendered his California psychology license, told the Board he has pursued therapy, continuing education and public service and asked for reinstatement. The Attorney General recounted convictions and restitution; the Board reserved decision and will deliberate in closed session.
Roberto Velasquez told the California Board of Psychology that the decade since his conviction has included paid restitution, ongoing therapy and thousands of hours of continuing education, and he asked the board to restore his license.
Velasquez, appearing without private counsel, read a prepared opening statement and offered five binders of exhibits documenting employment, teaching, continuing education (he stated about 3,000 hours), published research and letters of support. He acknowledged his federal conviction for making false statements on immigration and Social Security disability documents and said he accepts responsibility.
Why it matters: Velasquez’s petition raises the board’s standard question of whether past criminal conduct has been followed by sustained rehabilitation and whether conditions (psychological testing, monitoring, supervised practice, drug testing) can mitigate risk to the public.
Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Smith outlined the criminal history and disciplinary background for the record: a guilty plea in federal court for false statements and a restitution obligation. Smith said the people would not oppose consideration of rehabilitation evidence but recommended a probationary approach with strict oversight if relief were granted. Velasquez described therapy resumed in 2025 with Dr. Margaret Ronstadt and said he intends to continue treatment and submit to required testing or monitoring.
Velasquez told the board, “I committed the crimes and I took full responsibility,” and explained that his rehabilitation work has included employment in substance‑abuse and mental‑health settings, teaching, research, and participation in restorative‑justice activities. The board admitted the binders into evidence and questioned him about drug testing, past supervision and plans for supervised reentry.
The hearing record closed and the board said it will deliberate in closed session and subsequently issue a written decision; no immediate action was taken in open session.
