Bethel Woman Charged for Relationship with Patient at Mental Health Program

Aug 16

A mental health practitioner at a Cambridge residential treatment center has been charged with sexually assaulting a patient last year.

According to a criminal complaint filed Friday in Isanti County, 39-year-old Lisa Marie Rosenau, of Bethel, is facing one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct for acts while she was employed at Lotus Grace, an adult residential program for people with mental health disorders.

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Investigators say Rosenau engaged in a sexual relationship that allegedly occurred between August and November 2024 with a 31-year-old woman who was a patient at the facility’s intensive residential treatment program. The woman had been civilly committed due to mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder, PTSD and substance use, conditions that impaired her ability to give reasoned consent under Minnesota law.

The complaint states that Rosenau initiated the relationship by asking the patient if she liked her and then kissed her in the laundry room. The two allegedly continued meeting in various areas of the facility, including the hay loft, medication room and the patient’s bedroom. The patient later told investigators they engaged in daily sexual activity, including penetration and the use of sex toys.

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During the investigation, law enforcement reviewed text messages between Rosenau and the patient. Authorities say the messages contained sexually explicit content, nude images and videos, as well as messages in which Rosenau expressed wanting to have sex and discussed concealing their relationship.

Rosenau has been summoned to appear in court. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine on the third-degree charge and up to 10 years and a $20,000 fine on the fourth-degree charge.

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