Gynecologist Sexually Abused 6 Patients, Victims Allege: 'He Was Absolutely a Predator,' Says Lawyer
A gynecologist in New York City was accused of sexual assault and harassment of six patients during physical exams from 2011 to 2013, including fondling their breasts, asking probing questions and performing oral sex, according to reports. Dr. Robert Hadden, formerly of New York-Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital has been indicted for the acts but plans on fighting the case in court.
The gynecologist allegedly committed the sexual assault in his Washington Heights and Upper East Side Offices, The New York Daily News reported. "Overly frequent breast exams," "invasive questions about … sex lives" and unwanted oral sex were perpetrated on patients, some of whom were pregnant, prosecutors said.
"He was absolutely a predator," Anthony DiPietro, a lawyer whose client filed a civil suit against Hadden, said.
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Hadden, 55, would allegedly take advantage of the women once nurses and other staff left the room. The New Jersey doctor was charged with five counts of criminal sex acts, two counts of forcible touching and two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree.
"Victims keep coming forward," said Assistant District Attorney Laura Millendorf.
Though the incidents in question took place in 2011 and on, it took two women— L.K. and A.Y., according to court documents— going to the police in 2013 for Hadden to stop seeing patients altogether.
Hadden is fighting the charges. His defense lawyer Isabelle Kirshner called him a "physician with an impeccable reputation."
"He has entered a plea of not guilty and awaits the opportunity to defend himself against these charges in a court of law," she explained.
Hadden was arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court June 13 and released on a $21,253 bond.
