Prominent New York and New Jersey Doctor Charged With Rape and Sexual Abuse After Alleged Gun Threat

Renowned Surgeon Accused of Forcing a Woman Into Sex at Gunpoint

A highly regarded surgeon with professional ties to both New York and New Jersey has been charged with rape, attempted rape, sexual abuse, and criminal possession of a firearm after allegedly using a gun to force a woman into sexual acts inside his Manhattan apartment.

Dr. Maurizio Miglietta, 56, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on October 14, 2025, where prosecutors accused him of sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman after luring her to his home under false pretenses. According to Assistant District Attorney Candace White, the attack occurred on June 5, after Dr. Miglietta invited the woman to discuss “professional goals” following a networking event.

Once inside his apartment, prosecutors said, the meeting turned predatory. Dr. Miglietta allegedly kissed the woman without consent and restrained her when she tried to move away. When she resisted, he lifted his shirt to reveal a firearm in a holster and warned her to “watch out for this.”

“She was terrified,” ADA White told the court. “The complainant asked him to stop and let her leave, but the defendant refused, and the sexual assault continued.”

Prosecutors said Dr. Miglietta placed the loaded gun on a coffee table and forced the woman to perform oral sex, later attempting to rape her.

Power, Intimidation, and Abuse of Authority

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called the allegations “beyond disturbing,” pointing to a clear abuse of power and authority.

“You see a power imbalance that we allege was exploited,” Bragg said following the arraignment.

Dr. Miglietta’s background as a regional dean and professor of surgery at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem and his long-standing positions at major hospitals — including NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia — have raised concerns about potential misconduct in professional settings where authority and trust play a central role.

Prosecutors also noted that Dr. Miglietta had claimed to be affiliated with law enforcement, presenting himself as an honorary police surgeon and self-described “special agent.” However, police records show he never officially served in any law enforcement capacity.

Weapons Seized and Bail Set at $1 Million

During his arrest, authorities discovered that Dr. Miglietta possessed two firearms in Manhattan, neither of which were registered in New York State. Investigators also learned that he had 10 additional guns registered in New Jersey, where he owns a residence in Point Pleasant.

Given the nature of the allegations and the potential flight risk, Justice Ann Thompson set bail at $1 million cash or a $3 million secured bond. The judge ordered electronic monitoring, surrender of all firearms and his passport, and prohibited any contact with the victim.

If convicted, Dr. Miglietta faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Defense Denies Charges

Dr. Miglietta’s attorney, John Esposito, entered a plea of not guilty, claiming that his client’s connections to law enforcement justified his firearm possession and disputing the allegations of sexual assault.

“He’s adamantly denying these charges,” Esposito said outside the courthouse. “He’s probably the most prominent person working as a surgeon for law enforcement, and there’s no basis for these charges.”

Despite these claims, prosecutors emphasized the strength of the victim’s testimony and the corroborating evidence collected during the investigation. The case remains active, with both New York and New Jersey authorities reviewing Miglietta’s professional and personal conduct.

A Reminder of the Risks of Abuse Within Trusted Professions

This case has sent shockwaves through both the medical and law enforcement communities. It raises troubling questions about abuse of power within professions that rely heavily on trust, respect, and authority.

Medical professionals are entrusted with intimate care and ethical responsibility, yet cases like this demonstrate how predators can exploit that trust to target vulnerable individuals. Survivors of such abuse often hesitate to come forward due to fear of professional retaliation, disbelief, or reputational harm.

Advocates stress that sexual violence in healthcare settings is particularly insidious because it often involves manipulation of authority, coercion, and a victim’s sense of safety. The alleged use of a firearm in this case adds an additional layer of trauma and intimidation.

Legal Support for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New Jersey

Survivors of sexual assault, especially those involving trusted professionals, deserve compassionate and experienced legal advocacy. Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., of Survivors of Abuse NJ, represents victims of sexual abuse across New Jersey, providing trauma-informed legal support to help survivors hold perpetrators accountable.

Attorney Messa’s firm has decades of experience representing survivors in civil lawsuits involving doctors, teachers, clergy, and other authority figures. The team works to ensure that survivors not only receive justice but also regain their sense of empowerment and safety.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused by a medical professional, confidential help is available. Survivors of Abuse NJ offers free consultations and guidance on pursuing justice through both civil and criminal legal channels.

Source:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/nyregion/doctor-ny-nj-rape-charges.html