A Manhattan neurologist was sentenced this Friday after being charged with raping and sexually assaulting six patients, and could face life in prison.
Ricardo Cruciani, of 68 years, was convicted of one count of predatory sexual assault, one count of sexual abuse, one count of attempted rape, two counts of rape, and seven counts of criminal sexual act in relation to six patients who ingested painkillers so that they would depend on him and thus carry out their abuses, reported Telemundo 47.
The neurologist could face between 25 years in prison to life in prison, and the sentence will be announced next 14 of September.
The women who testified for Cruciani’s conviction were his patients at Beth Israel Medical Center and facilities he served in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The patients came by assists Cruciani’s practice with rare diseases and chronic pain issues. The neurologist would then develop personal relationships with the women and prepare them for sexual intercourse, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said.
Cruciani was accused of forcing the women to perform sexual acts in exchange for of painkillers and giving them heavy doses of highly addictive drugs to ensure his victims returned to him, prosecutors said.
“What happened to us is real, it is traumatic and it can no longer be denied,” said Hillary Tullin, who was one of his victims in a statement alleging that Cruciani’s defense team tried leaving her and other victims as “liars”.
Another of the victims, whose name was not mentioned, stated: “Cruciano took advantage of vulnerable patients and today his victims were given power back.”
Meanwhile, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued a statement where highlighted the atrocities committed by the New York neurologist.
“Ricardo Cruciani abused his power as a medical professional, knowingly taking advantage of his patients’ pain. Dr. Cruciani left in his wake six survivors who continue to suffer from debilitating illnesses, and now, years of trauma,” the prosecutor said.
With information from the New York Post