Hawaii Island Psychologist Sentenced for Assaulting Teenager

A 72-year-old Kailua-Kona clinical psychologist was sentenced Friday to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a teenager in 2019.

Reuben Lelah, who was initially charged June 27 with two counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree sexual assault, pleaded guilty March 15 to two counts of second-degree sexual assault charge.

Kona Circuit Judge Kimberly Tsuchiya sentenced him to 10 years in prison for each of the crimes, to be served consecutively, and gave credit for the few days served. Lelah was arrested in June and released July 5 on $40,000 bail.

Lelah admitted to sexually assaulting a person identified by the initials AS, born in 2005, making her approximately 19 years old today. The attacks took place twice between June 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019.

Had he been convicted of two counts of first-degree sexual assault, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years, he could have received a 40-year sentence.

In February, prosecutors offered Lelah the option to admit to two counts of second-degree sexual assault and the state would recommend prison, provided he agreed to an 18-month prison sentence. The second option was for Lelah to plead guilty to two counts of third-degree sexual assault, but he would have had to accept a five-year prison sentence.

Defense attorney Aaron Wills said there was no plea deal because the judge was not bound by the agreement. The prosecution filed a new indictment on March 12, charging Lelah with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree sexual assault degree.

Lelah pleaded guilty March 15 before Judge Robert Kim and was found guilty the same day.

Assistant District Attorney Annaliese Wolf declined to comment on the plea agreement and sentencing.

On June 27, the victim's family filed a civil complaint in Third Circuit Court (Kona) against Loving Service Foundation, a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, and Reuben Lelah.

According to the complaint, Lelah is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides certain counseling and psychological services through the Loving Service Foundation.

The foundation's main headquarters is located at Lelah's residence at 73-4340 Huehue St. in Kailua-Kona, and he serves as its president and treasurer, the complaint states.

The plaintiff was receiving psychological treatment and counseling services from Lelah through the foundation, the complaint states.

“Plaintiff’s relationship with Defendants, as a vulnerable child and psychological patient, was one in which Plaintiff was subject to Defendant Lelah’s influence, trust, and continued care,” the complaint states.

It alleges that after establishing care as a patient, Lelah used information gleaned from therapy sessions to convince the child's parents to allow her to live in their home, assuming a parental role.

It also alleges that Lelah intentionally, recklessly or grossly negligently touched and manipulated the boy's body in a sexual manner and sexually assaulted him.

The family's attorney declined to comment on the conviction and sentence.