| Paul Foy |
| Associated Press |
| Published August 7, 2004 |
SALT LAKE CITY - Former patients at a psychiatric hospital where Mark Hacking worked as an orderly said Hacking, who is accused of killing his wife, insisted patients call him ``Franz'' although they knew his real name.
The two former patients, one speaking on condition of anonymity, also told The Associated Press that Hacking once ran unauthorized group therapy sessions.
(Snip)
The University of Utah said Friday that Hacking ran group ``activities,'' not therapy sessions, although the former patients recalled Hacking relishing a role as therapist - asking about their concerns and taking notes on their behavior.
They said he acted ``like a person in authority'' and rewarded them with cigarette breaks.
Former patient Nedzad ``Ned'' Rosic said Hacking was known as a ``psych tech'' but acted as a therapist while ``shaving his head and pretending to be Franz.''
(Snip)
Administrators at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute refused to take calls from the AP on Hacking's conduct on the job he resigned July 23. Brillinger said Friday she was providing answers she obtained from institute staffers she didn't identify.
Hacking was licensed by Utah as a health care assistant, a position equivalent to his job title at the institute, which was psychiatric technician, Brillinger said.
Former patient Nedzad ``Ned'' Rosic said Hacking was known as a ``psych tech'' but acted as a therapist while ``shaving his head and pretending to be Franz.''
ewwwww he was role playing. Who the heck is his made up Franz character? Hacking sounds like a schizo to me.