Introduction to the Case
Dr. Maurizio Miglietta, a surgery professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been indicted on charges including first-degree rape and attempted first-degree rape.
A surgery professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem has been accused of allegedly raping a woman in his apartment after showing her a firearm, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Tuesday.
Background of the Accused
Dr. Maurizio Miglietta, 56, who also serves as an honorary police surgeon providing trauma consultation for the NYPD, was indicted Tuesday on charges including first-degree rape and attempted first-degree rape, according to court filings. He faces additional charges, including sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Prosecutors allege that Miglietta met a 28-year-old woman through a medical networking event. On June 5, she went to his Financial District apartment expecting to discuss business ventures.
Once inside, Miglietta allegedly kissed her without consent. When she tried to push him away, he allegedly lifted his shirt to show a firearm he said was loaded.
The indictment alleges he placed the gun on a coffee table near her head before orally raping her and attempting to vaginally rape her. The woman was able to leave after initially being prevented from doing so, prosecutors said.
Reaction from the Authorities
“As alleged, this prominent doctor used his position to lure a woman to his apartment under the guise of professional networking and mentorship,” Bragg said. “Instead, he allegedly displayed a firearm that he said was loaded, and sexually assaulted her as she repeatedly said no.”
Migiletta was arrested on Monday, Oct. 13, and arraigned before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Ann Thompson on Oct. 14.
The court executed a warrant, issued a discovery scheduling order, and placed a temporary order of protection for the alleged victim. Bail was set at $1 million cash, $3 million insured bond, or $3 million partially secured surety bond. He is scheduled to return to court in January.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information
Bragg said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information about similar incidents to contact the DA’s Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373.
amNewYork did not receive a response from Miglietta’s attorney or Touro College, where he had been working for the past 14 years, at the time of publication.
Conclusion
The case of Dr. Maurizio Miglietta is a disturbing reminder of the importance of consent and the need for accountability, especially among those in positions of power. The allegations against him are severe and highlight the potential dangers of predatory behavior. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for anyone with information to come forward and for the community to support the victim.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Dr. Maurizio Miglietta?
A: Dr. Maurizio Miglietta is a surgery professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and an honorary police surgeon for the NYPD. - Q: What are the charges against Dr. Miglietta?
A: He has been indicted on charges including first-degree rape, attempted first-degree rape, sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. - Q: How did Dr. Miglietta allegedly commit the crime?
A: Prosecutors allege that he met a woman through a medical networking event, invited her to his apartment under the guise of discussing business ventures, and then sexually assaulted her after showing her a firearm. - Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: Dr. Miglietta has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to return to court in January. The investigation is ongoing. - Q: How can one report similar incidents?
A: Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact the DA’s Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373.
