US: A former New York doctor has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing patients

Former doctor Darius Paduch was sentenced in New York, USA Life imprisonment Wednesday after pleading guilty to sexually abusing multiple patients, including minors, over a decade.
According to news agency AP, the abuse took place at prestigious hospitals in Manhattan and Long Island, where Paduch used his position to prey on vulnerable individuals seeking medical care.
Paduch, 57, was indicted in May on charges of soliciting persons and minors to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Eleven victims testified during the trial, and more than 300 others have filed charges and lawsuits against them.
The New York Post reported that evidence revealed Paduch’s perverted practices, such as assaulting patients during medical exams, using sex toys, and claiming his actions were medically necessary.
Prosecutors highlighted that Paduch’s misconduct, which began in 2007, continued unabated into 2019. In one instance, he lured the victim to his boat, sedated him and assaulted him. His crimes also included painful and unnecessary medical procedures, leading to further physical and emotional trauma for his victims.
“Paduch’s abuse was perverse and pervasive, spanning more than a decade and victimizing patients in and out of hospital rooms,” said US Attorney Damien Williams.
Advocates for the victims hailed the sentence as an important step towards justice. Mallory Allen, representing 140 survivors, said, “While no sentence can undo the pain endured, this verdict ensures binding and accountability for his horrific acts.”
Paduch’s lawyer announced plans to appeal the decision, maintaining his client’s innocence. Meanwhile, civil suits targeting organizations accused of enabling or ignoring Paduch’s actions are poised to move forward.