Introduction to the Case
A prominent surgeon and professor allegedly raped a woman at gunpoint at his Manhattan apartment after the victim had come to him for career advice, according to prosecutors.
Dr. Maurizio Miglietta — currently a professor of surgery at Touro College — was accused of first-degree rape and attempted rape. He was arraigned in state supreme court Tuesday afternoon.
Allegations and Investigation
"The alleged conduct in this matter is beyond disturbing. You have a power imbalance that we allege was exploited," Manhattan District Alvin Bragg said about the allegations.
According to prosecutors, the 56-year-old Miglietta met the 28-year-old victim at a conference on June 5. She later came to him for advice about the medical field, and the two ended up back at his apartment in the Financial District.
That’s where the doctor kissed the victim without her consent, court records state. She tried to pull away, which led to Miglietta lifting his shirt — displaying a gun he claimed was loaded. He then placed it by her head and allegedly forced her to perform sex acts on him.
The victim managed to escape by claiming she had a meeting she needed to get to.
Response from the Defendant
Miglietta pleaded not guilty. His attorney noted that his client also works with the U.S. Marshall Service.
"He’s probably the most prominent person working as a surgeon and in law enforcement and there’s no basis for these charges," defense attorney John Esposito said.
According to his bio, Miglietta was formerly the chief of acute care surgery at NY-Presbyterian Medical Center Columbia and before that was the director of trauma at Bellevue Hospital. He is also an honorary police surgeon with the NYPD — although sources told NBC New York he never actually worked with the department or received money from them.
Court Proceedings
The judge granted bail at $1 million cash. Miglietta was still in police custody late Tuesday night. His next court appearance was scheduled for January.
Conclusion
The allegations against Dr. Maurizio Miglietta are severe and highlight a significant abuse of power. The case is ongoing, and it will be crucial to follow the developments to ensure justice is served. The fact that Miglietta holds a position of trust and authority makes the allegations even more disturbing, and it is essential to address such issues to maintain public trust in the medical and law enforcement professions.
FAQs
- Who is Dr. Maurizio Miglietta? Dr. Maurizio Miglietta is a prominent surgeon and professor of surgery at Touro College.
- What are the allegations against Dr. Miglietta? He is accused of first-degree rape and attempted rape of a 28-year-old woman at his Manhattan apartment.
- How did Dr. Miglietta meet the victim? They met at a conference on June 5, and the victim later visited him for career advice.
- What was the outcome of the initial court hearing? Dr. Miglietta pleaded not guilty, and the judge granted bail at $1 million cash.
- When is Dr. Miglietta’s next court appearance? His next court appearance is scheduled for January.
