Doctor Charged with Rape in NYC
A doctor, who also serves as an honorary surgeon for the New York City Police Department, is facing serious charges after allegedly firing a gun at a woman at a police station in Manhattan. He reportedly told her to “be careful” before forcing himself on her, as prosecutors revealed on Tuesday.
Dr. Maurizio Miglietta, 56, a father of three and professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, stands accused of raping a young woman who had visited his Financial District apartment for career counseling on June 5. This information was disclosed during his arraignment at a Manhattan court.
Assistant District Attorney Candice White informed the judge that instead of discussing career goals, Miglietta allegedly kissed the woman without her consent. She described how the victim, who had considered him her “mentor,” became immobilized when he approached her, although she did attempt to push him away.
White recounted an unsettling moment, stating, “He lifted his shirt to show her a firearm in his holster and told her, ‘Watch this.'” The victim asked if the gun was loaded, to which he confirmed it was.
Following this, he allegedly forced her to perform oral sex and attempted to continue the assault but paused when she mentioned she had an important work meeting to attend, as indicated in the indictment.
Miglietta was arrested on Monday and faces charges of rape, attempted rape, sexual abuse, and criminal possession of a firearm. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.
Prosecutors also revealed that when Miglietta was arrested at his $1.7 million home in Point Pleasant, he had two firearms and claimed to be a “special agent in law enforcement.” He has ten firearms registered in New Jersey, but, notably, one isn’t registered in New York.
Currently, he holds the title of honorary police surgeon for the New York City Police Department and runs a nonprofit organization while managing multiple businesses.
His attorney, John Esposito, argued for Miglietta’s release without bail, citing his professional achievements and claiming that he is actively working for the federal government. Esposito stated, “He’s a deputy U.S. marshal. He has a firearms permit,” adding that Miglietta went to Haiti on a voluntary assignment.
Throughout his career, Miglietta served as a medical advisor for the Secret Service from 2005 to 2014 and worked with the NYPD, providing trauma counseling for its members. He has previously been recognized in Crain’s New York Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40” Rising Stars list and held the position of Chief of Emergency Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
According to his biography, he operates a hernia repair institute in Paramus and is dual certified in surgical critical care, with specializations in general surgery and robotic surgery.
Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Anne Thompson set bail at $1 million cash or $3 million partially secured bail. Miglietta is required to surrender all firearms and passports and would be monitored electronically if he posts bail.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that the investigation is ongoing, encouraging any potential victims to get in touch with the Special Victims Unit. He stated, “As alleged, this prominent physician used his position to lure women to his apartment under the guise of professional networking and mentorship. Instead, he allegedly showed her a loaded firearm and, when she repeatedly said no, he sexually assaulted her.”
If convicted of first-degree rape, Miglietta could face a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 21st.
