Psychologist Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Plot
- Share via
A psychologist who heads a drug rehabilitation program pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of conspiring to murder a man who successfully sued him over a business deal.
Dr. Donald Sonn, 33, of San Diego was ordered by San Diego Municipal Judge Robert McDonald to be held in County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
Sonn, who teaches at National University, is also accused of two counts of soliciting the murder, which was never carried out.
The alleged intended victim was William Yeung of San Diego, an acupuncturist in his 30s.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Daniel Lamborn said Yeung sued Sonn over a business deal and won a $119,000 judgment against him.
Lamborn said the psychologist asked a patient of his to carry out the murder for $25,000. The patient instead called police.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
