Watch CBS News

Mount Sinai ER Doctor Charged With Sexually Abusing 2 Patients

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Mount Sinai Hospital doctor appeared in court late Tuesday on charges that he sexually abused two female patients while they were being treated.

Dr. David Newman showed no emotion and wouldn't respond to questions Tuesday afternoon as his lawyer escorted him into the NYPD Manhattan Special Victims Division, CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported.

He surrendered after days of knowing police were investigating claims by the two women, CBS2's Jessica Schneider reported.

In court late Tuesday, Newman was ordered held on $150,000 bond, or $50,000 cash.

The 40-year-old, highly-regarded emergency room doctor is accused of drugging and sexually abusing a 22-year-old woman in his care.

"That's horrifying, especially since I've been to Mount Sinai multiple times," said Jennifer Price, of the South Bronx. "I've had multiple surgeries here. And so to hear something like that is very scary, 'cause it's like how many other women has this happened to?"

Police say a second alleged victim has come forward -- another 22-year-old woman who claims she was seeking treatment for a cold when Newman allegedly groped her during a chest exam.

The initial sex assault allegations came from a woman who was being treated for a shoulder injury. That woman told police on Jan. 11 Newman knocked her out with morphine then committed a lewd act next to her and left DNA on her body, Sanchez reported.

The alleged victim kept her hospital gown and bedding for evidence, WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported. Police are still awaiting lab results on the DNA. Newman has not volunteered his DNA.

In court Tuesday night, an assistant district attorney said only nurses are given access to morphine – concluding that Newman must have had his own stash.

"It's very scary because when you go in there you're expecting medical treatment, not to get fondled and touched upon," said South Bronx resident Jason Price. "That's ridiculous."

Newman lives in Montclair, New Jersey home with his wife and two children, both of whom are under 3 years old. His wife had no comment.

But Newman's attorney said his client does not have a criminal record, nor any claims of malpractice against him.

Newman was immediately suspended from Mount Sinai after the allegations surfaced.

Hospital officials released a statement saying Newman "has not provided care to patients at Mount Sinai since the investigation began.

"We take the nature of these allegations very seriously and continue to conduct our own extensive internal inquiry," the statement said.

Some Mount Sinai employees were upset by the news.

Rebecca Banchik said it's disappointing when people abuse their power or position. "Unfortunately, it happens," she said.

Police also believe there may be more victims. If so, they are urging those patients to come forward.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.