News Summary
Dr. Maurizio Miglietta, a 56-year-old surgeon, has been indicted for multiple charges including first-degree rape and possession of a firearm. The allegations arose after he allegedly assaulted a 28-year-old woman whom he lured to his apartment under false pretenses. The case highlights serious concerns surrounding abuse of power in professional environments, and Miglietta has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bail has been set at $1 million cash or $3 million in other bonds, and the investigation is ongoing.
Manhattan – Dr. Maurizio Miglietta, a 56-year-old surgeon and clinical associate dean at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been indicted for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and displaying a firearm. The indictment was announced by New York’s Manhattan District Attorney’s office on Tuesday.
Miglietta faces seven charges that include first-degree rape, attempted first-degree rape, sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. The alleged victim is a 28-year-old woman who met Miglietta at a medical networking event.
According to prosecutors, Miglietta invited the woman to his Financial District apartment under the pretense of discussing potential business ventures. Once inside, he is accused of trying to kiss her without her consent. The woman reportedly resisted his advances, and in response, Miglietta displayed a firearm he claimed was loaded.
It is alleged that he placed the gun on a coffee table near her head and then proceeded to orally rape her and attempt vaginal penetration. The woman eventually managed to leave the apartment after initially being restricted from doing so, as per court documents.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that Miglietta exploited his professional position to mislead the woman and then assaulted her despite her repeated refusals. The incident has raised serious concerns about abuse of power in professional settings.
Miglietta was arrested on Monday, October 13, and was arraigned the following day before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Ann Thompson. The court issued a discovery scheduling order and a temporary order of protection for the alleged victim. Bail was set at $1 million cash or $3 million in various bond arrangements.
During the arraignment, Miglietta pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to return to court in January. The investigation is still ongoing, and the District Attorney’s office encourages anyone who may have had similar experiences to contact the Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373.
In addition to his current role at Touro College, Miglietta has held various prestigious positions in hospitals, including director of trauma surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and chief of trauma at the NYU School of Medicine. He was also recognized on Crain’s 40 under 40 list in 2008 and served as director of trauma and co-director of surgical intensive care at Bellevue Hospital. Miglietta has provided trauma consultation services to the NYPD.
As of the time of publication, neither Miglietta’s attorney nor Touro College responded to inquiries regarding the allegations. The case highlights ongoing issues surrounding sexual assault and intimidation, particularly in environments where trust and authority are paramount.
This indictment brings to light significant concerns about the safety of individuals within professional networks and underscores the importance of accountability and support for victims of assault.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Surgical Assault Cases
- AM New York
- Google Scholar: Sexual Assault in Medical Settings
- NBC New York
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- NBC News
- Google News: Sexual Assault Surgeons
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