A prominent neurologist, who was convicted last month of sexual assault, committed suicide, Monday, in a New York City prison, according to the Associated Press, citing two informed sources who declined to disclose their identities.
Dr. Riccardo Crociani, 68, was found in the bathing area of Eric M. Taylor Center, a prison located in the Rikers Island complex.
Crociani’s lawyer, Frederic Sosinski, confirmed in a statement that his client had died, without specifying the cause of death.
“Ricardo’s lawyers and family were incredibly shocked and saddened to learn of his death (..) while in city custody this morning,” he said.
Six women testified that sexual assault by him often took place behind closed doors during interviews in 2013 at a Manhattan medical center, where the doctor was undressing and demanding sex.
“I am relieved to know that he is now facing another judge,” said Terry Phoenix, who testified once morest Crociani at the trial.
He was also due to go to trial in January on federal charges accusing him of abusing multiple patients over a 15-year period in his offices in New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey.
Prosecutors said Crocciani treated his patients by over-prescribing painkillers, sometimes to treat serious cases from car and other accidents.
During the trial, Crociani denied abusing the women. His lawyer questioned during the court the credibility of his accusers.
Sosinski called for an “immediate and objective investigation” into the circumstances of the death, including whether prison officials complied with a court order at the time of his conviction by placing him in protective custody, under surveillance to prevent the possibility of suicide.
“Neither of these conditions have been complied with, as far as we know,” Sosinski said.
Corrections Officers’ Syndicate President Benny Bossio said high-profile prisoners are usually placed on suicide prevention watch, and are monitored by an additional officer when they first enter prison.
He continued, “The fact that this prisoner was not placed on probation for suicide raises serious questions. Our officers were not responsible for this tragic incident, which was clearly an administrative failure.”
Crociani died before his sentencing next September in the case in which he was convicted of 12 charges, including sexual assault and rape, and was acquitted of two other charges. He was facing life imprisonment.
Hilary Tulane, who testified and helped raise the case by calling the sexual assault hotline in 2017, said Crocciani’s actions were “in no way a sign of remorse or guilt”.
Tolin considered what happened “a sad day for all his victims who will never get a final result, and will not have the opportunity to address the defendant, and tell him directly how his crimes greatly affected their lives.”
