ROCHESTER, Minn. – A social worker who fostered a sexual relationship with a client and who was ordered to stop it — and who didn’t — will go to prison for 32 months. The sentence was ordered for Mandy Erin Hyland, 43, by Judge Christa Daily. Hyland earlier had pleaded guilty and asked to be spared from prison. To the judge Hyland said that mercy would allow her “to make amends and rebuild my life.” Judge Daily said no – and also ordered Hyland to register as a sex predator. She was led from the courtroom in handcuffs. With good behavior, she could be out in 16 months.
Case profile
Hyland was arrested in 2023 after a former patient told police that she had begun a sexual relationship while treating him. The relationship was not only a violation of professional conduct but also the client had said he wanted her to back off. A judge ordered Hyland to cut off contact. She didn’t. She was re-arrested three months later. Her defense in part was that the client had a history of drug abuse and also trust issues.
Hyland. Therapy practice was mostly n Rochester. Later address 12 miles out to Stewartville.