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CNY Therapy ConcernsFamily court accountability

Onondaga County · Published October 21, 2026

Prosecutors: child sexual abuse images found on computer of former North Syracuse children’s therapist

Yuexiang “Bruce” Ling, a former therapist, trained in Syracuse University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. He provided therapy to children in Onondaga County through Family Matters (nyfamilymatters.com), owned and operated by Karrie Damm (Karrie Damm-Stewart), in North Syracuse.

In August 2024, Ling was charged in King County, Washington, with four felonies involving sexually explicit depictions of minors. He left the United States two years ago, before trial, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Charges are allegations. Mr. Ling has not been tried or convicted. The charges were filed in Washington State. We are not alleging that Karrie Damm-Stewart, Brenda Keenan Rodriguez or Family Matters knew of or were involved in the conduct he is charged with.

The probable cause statement says Ling identified three cell phones and a computer in his home. Families who worked with him in North Syracuse have records of him contacting them from a 315-area-code number. If you have information about his phones or communications with your family, contact your local law enforcement.

Who he is

  • Name: Yuexiang Ling, known as “Bruce” (Chinese: 凌岳祥)
  • Age when charged: 26
  • Former Washington license: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, MG61432088 (indefinitely suspended April 2025)
  • National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1073398947

Education

Syracuse University’s Falk College Convocation program for May 2023 lists Yuexiang Ling as a candidate for:

  • Master’s degree, Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Certificate of Advanced Study, Child Therapy

We notified Syracuse University’s executive offices on October 19, 2026. The director of the Marriage and Family Therapy program has also been notified multiple times. As of October 21, 2026, we have not received a response.

His work at Karrie Damm-Stewart’s practice in North Syracuse

His work in Washington

Court filings describe Ling as a therapist at Sea Mar and at Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care.

In its bail request, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office wrote that Ling:

“held a position of trust in the community as a licensed therapist at Seamar, and had a cover letter alongside contraband files for a position at Children’s Hospital. Thankfully he did not hold that position, but the draft indicates he was attempting to place himself in positions with access to children…”

Seattle Children’s Hospital has stated that Ling never worked there.

What the probable cause statement says

The certification for determination of probable cause filed in King County Superior Court states there is probable cause to believe that Yuexiang Ling, age 26 (DOB 8/5/1998), committed two counts each of:

  • RCW 9.68A.050, Dealing in Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the First Degree
  • RCW 9.68A.070, Possession of Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the First Degree

It describes his interview with police:

“When asked about what child pornography meant to him, Ling identified it was someone under the age of 18 engaged in a sex act. Ling said the first time he saw child sexual abuse material was when he was in middle school and was searching for middle school aged people. He declined to answer when he began viewing the content as an adult and made comments about incriminating himself. Ling identified 3 cellphones in his home, and a computer. The devices were password protected, and he declined to provide his passwords to police. … Ling ultimately requested to talk to an attorney and police questioning ended.”

His cover letter

Prosecutors say a cover letter for a position at Seattle Children’s Hospital was found alongside the files. The letter reads, as provided to us:

“I am writing to apply for the role of Mental Health Therapist at Seattle Children’s Hospital, specifically within the Managing Disruptive Behavior Outpatient Program and Psychiatric Urgent Care clinical team. I am seeking these positions where my strong academic background and skill sets can serve children and adolescents in an integrated care setting. Your commitment to pioneering innovative care models, setting standards for healthcare providers throughout Washington State, especially in establishing the first Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinic for children and adolescents in WA State, resonates deeply with my professional beliefs and principles. I am eager to contribute my expertise to your multidisciplinary team dedicated to making a significant difference in our community.

As reflected in my resume, I bring a robust background in providing mental health services specifically to children, adolescents, and families facing serious developmental, emotional, behavioral challenges and co-morbidities. My clinical journey, spanning from clinical internships to my current full-time role as a Wraparound Intensive Services (WISe) Therapist at Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care, has equipped me with invaluable skills in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and parent management training. I am adept at conducting comprehensive intake evaluations with multi-axial diagnoses and implementing evidence-based practices to ensure the highest quality of care for my clients.

I am also glad to share that I have gained extensive experience in serving multi-system involved children with severe behavioral problems and developmental disabilities during my tenure at Valley Cities. Collaborating with schools, systems such as DCYF and DDA, and service providers inside and outside of our agency — including case managers, pediatricians, and psychiatrists from Seattle Children’s — I provided comprehensive support and tailored interventions for the clients they referred, ensuring a holistic approach to their mental health care journey. Additionally, I have exclusively served a diverse clientele, primarily consisting of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, low SES families, and those from homeless populations, further demonstrating my dedication to providing accessible and inclusive mental health services to those in need.”

Timeline

Dec 2022 – Apr 2023Provides therapy to children at Family Matters, North Syracuse, NY
May 2023Listed as a master’s candidate, Syracuse University Falk College Convocation
Aug 29, 2023NPI issued
Aug 16, 2024Charged in King County Superior Court, case no. 24-1-01701-8 KNT
Aug 29, 2024Release conditions set, including surrender of passports
Sept 2024Boards a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Shanghai
Oct 15, 2024Bench warrant issued; trial date struck
Apr 2025Washington State Department of Health indefinitely suspends his license
Aug 2025Court denies request to vacate bail forfeiture

About Karrie Damm-Stewart

Karrie Damm-Stewart is a licensed marriage and family therapist. In November 2025 the New York State Board of Regents took action on her license. Read Karrie Damm-Stewart’s NYSED enforcement action.

Local coverage

We found no local news coverage of Ling’s work in New York, in Central New York or in Westchester County.

If you have information about his whereabouts

A bench warrant was issued for Yuexiang “Bruce” Ling’s arrest on October 15, 2024. If you have information about where he is, contact:

If your family worked with Mr. Bruce Ling

If your family received services from Family Matters, Family Matters of CNY, or CNY Marriage and Family Therapy Place and your child worked with Mr. Bruce Ling (Yuexiang Ling), and you suspect your child may have been a victim while working with him, contact your local law enforcement immediately to open a case in New York State. You can also share your story with us.

Sources

Charges are allegations. Mr. Ling has not been tried or convicted.