New York City area urologist sentenced to life in prison for sexually abused patients
An ex New York-area urologist was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday after being convicted in connection to years-long sexual abuse of patients, including minors, federal prosecutors said.
Darius Paduch, 57, of North Bergen, New Jersey, was sentenced in New York City by Judge Ronnie Abrams after being found guilty of six counts of inducing a person to travel to engage in unlawful sexual activity and five counts of inducing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
Paduch, was also ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The office's top prosecutor, Damian Williams, called Paduch a sexual predator who preyed on patients seeking treatment for sensitive medical issues both inside and outside of hospital rooms.
"He used his position as a renowned urologist at prestigious hospitals to sexually assault vulnerable patients, including children, to gratify his own sexual desires," Williams said in a statement after sentencing. "Paduch’s abuse was perverse and pervasive, spanning over a decade and victimizing patients. He repeatedly violated his oath to ‘Do No Harm.’”
11 victims testified, dozens more came forward
According to an indictment and evidence presented at his May trial, the doctor worked at "two prominent medical facilities" in New York City over a two-decade period that ended in last year, specializing in male infertility and sexual medicine.
At trial, 11 victims testified about being sexually abused by him, according to federal prosecutors, and dozens more provided impact statements with the court before he was sentenced.
While working as a urologist, Paduch enticed and induced multiple victims to travel to his medical offices at a prominent hospital in Manhattan, so he could sexually abuse them.
"Paduch also induced certain victims to travel to New Jersey where he abused and assaulted the victims under the guise of medical care," according to the release.
About 2019, the former doctor began practicing at a different hospital located in Long Island, where he continued to sexually abuse patients, the release continues.
Doctor invited victim to his boat, provided sedatives before abuse
According to federal prosecutors, Paduch invited at least one patient to his boat, where he provided the person with sedatives before sexually abusing the victim.
"Paduch used his position at prominent medical institutions in New York to make or attempt to make the victims believe that the sexual abuse he inflicted on them was medically necessary and appropriate, when, in fact, it was not," prosecutors said.
Paduch also invited at least two patients, both minors, to serve as high school interns. As a result of his actions, the release continues, some victims attended appointments with him "over the course of multiple years," at which Paduch repeatedly abused them.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.