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Former Cedarburg woman files suit against psychiatrist boyfriend
By DAN BENSON
dbenson@journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 15, 2008

Port Washington - A former Cedarburg woman who along with her
psychiatrist boyfriend led police on a cross-country chase has filed a
lawsuit against him alleging medical malpractice because the two began
a sexual relationship while she was his patient.

Recent Coverage
11/7/07: Lawyer says case would mean double jeopardy
10/26/07: Thiensville psychiatrist in court after manhunt
1/14/07: Capture ends 2-week chase
1/4/07: Ex-husband, his girlfriend charged with identity theft

Darcy J. Bogenrief, 43, alleges in the lawsuit filed in Ozaukee County
Circuit Court that she sought treatment in late 2001 or early 2002
from former Thiensville psychiatrist Lyndon K. Steinhaus, 48, the two
began a sexual relationship later in 2002 and he continued to be her
doctor and prescribe medication for her until at least December 2006.

Steinhaus’ “conduct was negligent and in violation of the standards of
care” prescribed in state law, the lawsuit alleges.

According to the lawsuit, Bogenrief “sustained severe physical, mental
and emotional injury” and “loss of earning capacity and has incurred
medical and related expenses in the past” and will continue to do so.

Steinhaus’ medical insurer and a state risk-sharing fund for health-
care providers also are named in the lawsuit.

Bogenrief, a Marquette University Law School graduate who formerly
practiced law in Illinois, and Steinhaus are each charged in Ozaukee
County with misappropriating Steinhaus’ ex-wife’s identity.

They used it to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards and buy
jewelry as revenge for her seeking child support, according to a
criminal complaint.

They were arrested in November 2006 in Gillette, Wyo., where Steinhaus
was employed as a child psychiatrist after years of practicing in
Ozaukee and Washington counties, and charged with one felony count of
identity theft. Steinhaus also was charged in Wyoming with 27
misdemeanor counts of illegally prescribing drugs to Bogenrief.

After posting bail in Wyoming, the pair led police on a two-week cross-
country spree that included trashing a South Dakota motel room;
crossing into Canada, where Bogenrief was arrested on suspicion of
drunken driving; posting bond in Montana by leaving behind a BMW car;
and finally being arrested in Brownsville, Tenn., when they stopped at
a check cashing store to get an advance on a federal income tax
refund, according to authorities and court records.

Steinhaus served nine months in jail in Gillette and then was
extradited to Ozaukee County. He was freed after posting $10,000 bail
and now lives in Kewaskum while awaiting trial, according to online
court records. He is next due in court on July 23.

According to Wyoming court records, Bogenrief was found not guilty by
reason of mental disease or defect.

She is free on a signature bond. She lives in Gillette and is under
treatment there, according to court records. She is due in court Oct.
7.

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http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=772992