A Manhattan neurologist was sentenced Friday after being charged with raping and sexually assaulting six patients.and could face life in prison.
Ricardo Cruciani, 68, was found guilty 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 and life in prison in a sentence that will be announced on September 14.
The women who testified so that Cruciani was found guilty they were his patients at Beth Israel Medical Center and at facilities he cared for in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Patients came to Cruciani’s office for help 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 women to perform sexual acts in exchange for painkillers. and giving them strong doses of highly addictive drugs to ensure that his victims return to him, prosecutors said.
“What happened to us is real, it is traumatic and it can no longer be denied.Hillary Tullin, who was one of his victims, said in a statement alleging that Cruciani’s defense team tried to cast her and other victims as “liars.”
Another of the victims, whose name was not mentioned, stated: “Cruciani took advantage of vulnerable patients and today his victims were given power back.”
Meanwhile, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued a statement highlighting 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.”
With information from New York Post
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