Neurologist Convicted For Sexual Assault Of Union Square Patients: DA

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — A doctor with offices in Union Square was found guilty Friday of sexually assaulting patients he entrapped by over-prescribing highly addictive opioids, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Office.

The conviction comes after a month-long trial, which included testimony from former patients who sought medical care for debilitating disorders and instead were sexually preyed upon by Ricardo Cruciani, a highly esteemed neurologist, the Manhattan District Attorney's office said.

“Ricardo Cruciani abused his power as a medical professional and knowingly took advantage of his patients’ pain,” Bragg said in a statement. “We entrust doctors to respect our bodies and health when we go to them for help, yet Dr. Cruciani utterly violated that duty.”

The jury found Cruciani — who had offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and at the Beth Israel Medical Center in Union Square — of rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, attempted rape and predatory sexual assault, prosecutors said.

The final charge comes with a maximum sentence of 25 years-to-life and a minimum of 15 years, the DA’s spokeswoman Kay Nguyen told Patch via email.

The lesser charges ranged from nearly two years in prison to 25 years in prison, added Nguyen.

Cruciani, 68, preyed upon six women with complex pain diseases at Beth Israel Medical Center, located at 10 Union Square and East 17 St., prosecutors said.

The neurologist complemented the women on their looks, stroked their hair, hugged them tightly and asked them to reveal private and personal information, according to Bragg’s Office.

Along with sexual trauma, the women also developed opioid addictions, added Bragg’s Office.

Cruciani over-prescribed them addictive medication to ensure they would not leave his medical care and when they sought other doctors, those physicians refused to see them because of the high prescription doses they were on, according to Bragg’s Office.

Cruciani compelled the woman to perform sexual acts on him or engage in intercourse if they wanted to receive their pain medications, Bragg’s office said.

“Dr. Cruciani left in his wake six survivors who continue to suffer from debilitating diseases, and now, years of trauma,” said Bragg.

“Although we can never undo his horrific actions, I hope this conviction serves as a measure of justice for the brave survivors who came forward to share their stories and endured this long and painful trial."

Cruciani will be sentenced Sept. 14.