Who is Ricardo Cruciani? NYC rapist doc who preyed on his patients found GUILTY
Trigger Warning: Article contains references to sexual abuse and rape, reader's discretion is advised
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: A neurologist from Manhattan, New York City, was convicted on Friday, July 29 for allegedly raping and sexually assaulting six patients. The individual has been identified as Ricardo Cruciani. The 68-year-old was convicted of 12 attacks and he now faces life imprisonment.
Cruciani reportedly used to overdose the victims with highly addictive medications. He then used to stroke their hair, compliment them before forcibly kissing and groping them, and compelling the women to have sex with him.
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Who is Ricardo Cruciani?
Ricardo Cruciani, according to the Daily Mail, is accused of hooking multiple women on high doses of painkillers before abusing them sexually. Cruciani was convicted on 12 counts of third-degree rape, attempted rape, sexual abuse, predatory sexual assault, and criminal sexual act. According to reports, the neurologist is facing up to 25 years of jail to life behind bars. He will be sentenced on September 14.
Ricardo Cruciani would develop close relationships with the patients who would come to him with chronic pain problems. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, he would then groom them for sexual relationships. Cruciani would prescribe them high doses so that they stay dependent on him and come to him repeatedly. According to reports, he was protected by staff and he is also being supported by his wife. “Ricardo Cruciani abused his power as a medical professional and knowingly took advantage of his patients’ pain”, said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
‘What happened to us is real, it’s traumatic’
Ricardo Cruciani got into trouble in July 2021 when a lawsuit was filed against him by six of his victims. They claimed that the hospital failed to report his horrific behavior. One of the victims named Hillary Tullin in the lawsuit stated that she told a psychologist at Beth Israel that Cruciani "forcibly grabbed her face and stuck his tongue down her throat", but the incident was never reported.
Tullin, who is a former ABC producer, spoke to the New York Times on the case saying, “To finally be vindicated, to finally know that this man will never hurt another person, to finally know that I might be able to sleep at night-it’s a great sense of relief.” She further stated, “As much as I’ve gone through trauma counseling and therapy. 'I don’t think it was until I got this verdict that I could finally say, I can start healing. I can start trying to rebuild my life again.” She in a defense statement had earlier stated, “What happened to us is real, it’s traumatic and it can no longer be denied,” Tullin said. Another victim, who wasn’t named said, “Cruciani preyed on vulnerable patients and today his victims were given back their power.”