Video After The Jump
NEW YORK (AP) — A once-prominent neurologist convicted last month of sexually abusing patients killed himself Monday at a New York City jail.
Dr. Ricardo Cruciani, 68, was found unresponsive in a shower area at the Eric M. Taylor Center, a jail at the notorious Rikers Island complex..
Cruciani’s lawyer, Frederick Sosinsky, confirmed that his client had died.
Prosecutors said Cruciani groomed vulnerable patients by overprescribing painkillers, sometimes to treat serious injuries from car wrecks & other accidents.
Six women testified the sexual abuse often occurred behind closed doors during appointments in 2013 at a Manhattan medical center, where the doctor would expose himself & demand sex.
“I take comfort knowing he now faces another judge,” said Terrie Phoenix, who testified against Cruciani at trial.
He was also scheduled to go on trial next January on federal charges accusing him of abusing multiple patients over 15 years at his offices in New York City, Philadelphia & Hopewell, New Jersey.
Cruciani denied abusing women. In court, his lawyer questioned the credibility of his accusers.
Cruciani died while awaiting sentencing next month in a New York state case in which he was convicted of 12 counts, including predatory sexual assault, rape & sex abuse & acquitted on 2 other counts. He faced up to life in prison.
#RicardoCruciani #RicardoCrucianirapist #RicardoCrucianiconvicted #RicardoCrucianicommitssuicide #doctor #neurologist #RicardoCrucianiguilty #jail #rikersisland #suicide #goodridance #sexualassault #rape #rapist #rapevictims #drexeluniversity #newyorkcity #philadelphia #newjersey #hopewellnewjersey #sexualpredator #tocatchapredator #sexualassault
Follow Me
}
Comments