Darius Paduch, a former urologist once affiliated with several prestigious New York City hospitals, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday for a horrifying series of sexual assaults spanning over a decade. The 57-year-old was convicted in May 2023 on multiple charges, including six counts of inducing individuals to travel for unlawful sexual activity and five counts involving minors. His crimes were committed under the guise of medical care, leveraging his reputation as a renowned specialist to exploit patients.
Paduch’s victims, totaling more than 310, include six minors, marking one of the most egregious records of male victim abuse by a single predator. The assaults occurred at prominent institutions such as Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, and Northwell Health Systems. Prosecutors revealed that Paduch manipulated his patients, who sought treatment for sensitive medical issues, into believing his abusive actions were medically necessary.
During appointments, Paduch subjected patients to invasive and inappropriate acts, including masturbating them, demanding they reciprocate, digitally penetrating them without gloves, and using sex toys. Some victims suffered years of abuse, believing the procedures were legitimate. In court, US Attorney Damian Williams condemned Paduch as a “sexual predator” who exploited his trusted position to harm vulnerable individuals, including children.
Paduch’s crimes dated back to 2007 and extended through at least 2019. Following his arrest in April 2023, he has remained in custody. Beyond the criminal trial, Paduch faces an avalanche of civil lawsuits from former patients accusing him of medical malpractice, unnecessary procedures, and deliberately inflicting pain. Some cases highlight extreme outcomes, such as penile enlargement procedures resulting in disfigurement.
The sentencing marks a significant victory for victims, many of whom demonstrated extraordinary resilience by testifying during Paduch’s trial. Mallory Allen, representing 140 former patients, praised their courage and reiterated the importance of holding accountable not just Paduch but also the institutions that enabled his actions.
Both Allen and attorney Anthony DiPietro plan to pursue civil cases against these institutions, asserting they ignored red flags and allowed Paduch to continue his abuse unchecked. “Every patient who was exposed to this known predator deserves justice, and we will fight until it’s served,” DiPietro said.
Paduch’s life sentence serves as a stark reminder that those entrusted with public trust in the medical profession will face severe consequences for breaching that trust.
