Therapist charged with stalking soldier planning insanity defense

? The attorney for a Manhattan therapist charged with stalking a Fort Riley soldier has notified prosecutors he plans to present an insanity defense.

A document filed Wednesday in the case of therapist Rachelle Santiago says she intends to introduce expert evidence relating to her insanity and diminished capacity due to mental disease or defect.

Her public defender, Ronald Wurtz, says their experts will be psychologists and a psychiatrist.

Santiago’s trial is Sept. 27, with a motion hearing Aug. 29.

Santiago was a clinical social worker working as a contract employee at the Irwin Army Community Hospital on Fort Riley.

She has pleaded not guilty to charges in a five-count indictment accusing her of stalking, sexual battery, making a criminal threat, fleeing from police and unlawfully entering a military installation.