Justices hear argument for therapy records release

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Racine (AP) — The defense attorney for a Racine County billionaire is pressing the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the medical records of a teenager his client is accused of sexually assaulting.

The justices heard arguments Monday from Mark Richards, the attorney for Samuel Curtis Johnson, the son of the late SC Johnson chairman Sam Johnson. The 57-year-old former executive has pleaded not guilty to molesting the 18-year-old for three years, beginning when she was 12.

Richards says the defense is seeking the records to determine whether the teen ever reported sexual abuse allegations during therapy. The Racine Journal Times (http://bit.ly/VKA6iH ) says Richards contends two therapists who met with the girl never reported abuse, which they are mandated by law to do.

The criminal case against Johnson is on hold while the constitutional issues are resolved. The justices did not indicate when they would rule.