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Colorado parental evaluator allegedly used fake credentials to obtain state license as psychologist

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DENVER — A parental evaluator who handled child custody cases is accused of using fake credentials to obtain a state license as a psychologist.

The Colorado Attorney General's Office on Tuesday announced a 15-count indictment against Shannon McShane, 57, who served as a child and family investigator and parental evaluator in child custody cases throughout the state.

The AG's office said McShane falsely claimed she earned a PhD in psychology from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. This then allowed her to obtain licensure with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies as a licensed psychologist, certified addiction counselor and licensed addiction counselor, the AG's office states.

Officials with the University of Hertfordshire do not have records of McShane as a student or graduate, according to the AG's office.

Over six years, McShane served in several positions within the State of Colorado, including as a child and family investigator in child custody cases. In that role, according to the AG's office, McShane would conduct investigations and provide judges and magistrates with reports as well as recommendations on parenting time and decision-making for children. She allegedly testified under oath that she held a PhD.

In addition, McShane also applied for and obtained a position within the Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo. On those applications, she stated that she earned a PhD, according to the AG's office.

“Defrauding the state of Colorado and engaging in unlicensed practice as a psychologist in a manner that impacts our justice system is a grave breach of public trust,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser in a statement. “In this case, we are seeking to hold Shannon McShane accountable for her alleged conduct and to send a message that this behavior is intolerable.”

McShane was charged with eight counts of attempting to influence a public servant, five counts of forgery, perjury and retaliation against a victim or witness. She is in custody at the Denver Downtown Detention Center, according to the AG's office.


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