Longtime Pullman psychologist arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting patient

Longtime Pullman therapist and psychologist Dr. Dean Funabiki was arrested late Friday on suspicion of sexual assault.

Funabiki, 67, is accused of sexually assaulting a patient in her 40s during a therapy session in January, according to the Pullman Police Department.

After the alleged assault was reported, police said swabs were collected from the victim during a sexual assault examination and a search warrant was issued to collect DNA from Funabiki.

The Washington State Patrol’s crime lab matched Funabiki’s DNA to the victim’s swabs, police said.

At the request of investigators, and accompanied by his attorney, Funabiki surrendered himself at the Pullman Police Department at about 10:30 p.m.

He faces a charge of second-degree rape and is scheduled for a first appearance in Whitman County Court on Monday.