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A Neurologist Was Convicted Of Raping And Assaulting His Patients After Getting Them Hooked On Opioids

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Ricardo Cruciani, a 68-year-old neurologist, has been found guilty of sexual assaulting, abusing, and raping six of his patients under his care at his offices in New York City, Philadelphia, and Hopewell, New Jersey.

Cruciani’s patients sought his medical care for their chronic pain disorders, but Cruciani would allegedly overprescribe pain medication to them to keep them in his care and then force them to have sex with him, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr.

“Ricardo Cruciani abused his power as a medical professional and knowingly took advantage of his patients’ pain,” Bragg said in a news release. “We entrust doctors to respect our bodies and health when we go to them for help, yet Dr. Cruciani utterly violated that duty. Dr. Cruciani left in his wake six survivors who continue to suffer from debilitating diseases, and now, years of trauma. Although we can never undo his horrific actions, I hope this conviction serves as a measure of justice for the brave survivors who came forward to share their stories and endured this long and painful trial.”

Cruciani left Beth Israel Medical Center in 2014. When reached by BuzzFeed News, the medical center did not have a comment.

Fred Sosinsky, Cruciani’s lawyer, told BuzzFeed News in an email that Cruciani is “crushed” by the verdict.

“In the end, it appears that the collective weight of six accusers, rather than a fair consideration of each of their problematic accounts, carried the day,” Sosinsky said. “Nevertheless, there were, we are confident, a good number of legal errors committed by the trial court that we look forward to remedying before the appellate courts.”

Cruciani used his background in psychiatry to ask his patients questions about private matters, like their childhoods and marriages, eventually developing a personal relationship with them. He would also stroke his patients’ hair, compliment their appearance, and give them hugs until it progressed to him forcibly kissing and groping the women and compelling them to have sex with him.

Cruciani would overprescribe high doses of addictive pain medication and then force his patients to perform sexual acts on him to get the prescriptions.

When the patients sought outside medical care, some doctors refused to treat them because of the high doses they were taking. The patients developed opioid addictions and were left with sexual trauma, according to the Manhattan district attorney.

Tanisha Johnson told the New York Times in 2021 that at one point, she was prescribed 1,300 pills a month. Hillary Tullin said to the publication that she told a psychologist about Cruciani’s assaults, but the psychologist allegedly did not report the doctor.

Cruciani was convicted on one count of predatory sexual assault, one count of attempted rape, one count of sexual abuse, two counts of rape, and seven counts of criminal sexual act.

He will be sentenced Sept. 14.

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15 Real-Life Sex And Intimacy Questions You’re Too Embarrassed To Ask About — Answered By Experts

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“I’m a 31-year-old woman who has never had sex. I had some health issues in college, so I feel like I missed the boat. The more time that passes, the more concerned I am to admit my inexperience to any future partner. If I do start seeing someone, is it ok to not tell them the truth?”


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68 Beauty Products That Work So Well, It’s Almost Ridiculous

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It can do a ton of other stuff, too, like reduce redness, soothe irritation, heal cuts, and reduce oil and inflammation.

Promising review: “I buy this when my other bottle is only half empty — that’s how much I don’t want to be without it. The smell is so good that even if it didn’t work amazing wonders on my skin, I would use it just for that. But it does work! Because of this toner, my skin is brighter, more even, and just plain pretty. It feels moisturizing and clean, without giving your skin that tight feeling. I have pretty sensitive skin, but it doesn’t burn at all. It tightens pores and helps with all skin needs, whether you break out a lot, are young or old, or have dry or combination skin — it’s universal.” —Gail Swearngin

Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in eight scents).

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32 Products That Are Worth Bringing On Your Trip *Just In Case*

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Heads up — reviewers love these undies, but suggest sizing up!

Promising reviews: “I use it all the time, especially when traveling and overnight. It prevents leakage.” —ruth

“I deal with PCOS and endometriosis, which make my periods HEAVY for the first three to four days. I ordered two pairs of these underwear. They absorbed better than a pad, were comfortable, and the top layer stayed dry. Amazing. I had been thinking about buying the really expensive version of these underwear, but the price was ridiculous. These underwear do exactly what I need them to do for half the price. They are easy to hand wash and hang dry. I plan on ordering more. The stitching and waistband are solid and they don’t bunch, don’t ride up, and don’t roll. They provide front and back coverage. They’re literally perfect. If you’re on the fence about these, I urge you to give them a try. They’ll save you money (no pads or tampons needed, and you won’t stain your regular underwear and have to replace them).” —drsmaw

Get it from Amazon for $15.90+ (available in women’s sizes 4–13, five colors, and in three-packs).

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