The former medical director of a Virginia hospital that treats vulnerable children and adolescents was found not guilty Friday of sexually abusing two teenage patients during physical exams.
Dr. Daniel Davideau worked for decades as medical director of Cumberland Hospital for Children and Youth, a facility that treats young patients with complex medical needs such as chronic illnesses, brain injuries, and neurobehavioral disorders.
The charges against Davideau were decided by a judge, not a jury. Judge B. Elliott Bondurant found Mr. Davideau not guilty of two counts of forcible indecency, both felonies, and two counts of sexual penetration of an object, which are also felonies.
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Davidow’s lawyer, Craig Cooley, said the not guilty verdict was “based on the lack of credibility of the evidence and the accuser.”
“He knew this was meant to happen and he’s very happy that it actually happened,” Cooley said.
“No matter what happens, the fact remains that an accusation alone damages a person’s character and reputation. He understands that we cannot change people’s reactions to an accusation, but we have this judgment. “I think it’s a vindication of the species,” Cooley said.
The former medical director of a Virginia juvenile facility has been found not guilty of sexually abusing two female patients.
During the four-day trial, prosecutors argued that Davideau used the physical examination as a “ploy” to sexually abuse two female patients. Davideau and his lawyer have strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Cooley described Davidow, 71, as a dedicated physician who is committed to helping even the most difficult and medically complex children.
Cooley also expressed concern about the motives of former patients, noting they are seeking millions of dollars in pending civil lawsuits against Davideau, the hospital and its parent company. Dozens of former patients have accused him of inappropriate contact in that case, an allegation he denies.
The young women, who were teenagers at the time of their admission to Cumberland College, all testified that Davidow touched their breasts and genitals during physical examinations as part of the admissions process.
One woman told the court: “I was in tears. I was in shock.”
T. Scott Rennick, the top prosecutor in New Kent County, east of Richmond, where the hospital is located, said in his opening statement that the girls were living in a medical facility without their parents or other caregivers, making them extremely vulnerable. He said there is. It’s a complex case, and sometimes patients are admitted from other states based on court orders.
Rennick said Davidow, as the hospital’s medical director, “had complete control over them.”
Kevin Biniazan, a lawyer representing the two women in the civil suit, said the women “knew they were fighting an organization, not just men, and they were undeterred.” .
“Our client has shown true courage,” he said.
The Associated Press is not publishing the names of either woman because it does not identify women who say they were sexually assaulted.
Virginia State Police began investigating the hospital employee in October 2017, a spokesperson said.
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Davideau is at least the third former Cumberland employee to be charged with charges related to patients. A psychotherapist charged with sexually abusing a patient died by suicide on the same day his court hearing was scheduled. A behavioral technician pleaded no contest and was sentenced to one year in prison for intentionally scalding a disabled child with boiling water.
