In a landmark case, Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist at Columbia University, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for a series of sexual assaults committed against numerous patients, including pregnant women, spanning several decades.

Robert Hadden, a 64-year-old gynecologist who practiced in New York City, has been sentenced to two decades in prison by a federal judge. This sentence is the culmination of a case involving the sexual assault of dozens of his patients, some of whom were pregnant at the time of the assault. Among his victims was the wife of former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who was seven months pregnant when she was assaulted reported Breitbart.

Earlier this year, Hadden was found guilty on sex trafficking charges. These charges included four counts of enticing victims to cross state lines for the purpose of sexually assaulting them. This information was reported by the Associated Press.

Victims' testimonies unveil a long history of abuse

During the first sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard Berman heard testimonies from eleven of Hadden's victims. These testimonies painted a disturbing picture of Hadden's actions since the 1980s. It was revealed that Hadden had been sexually assaulting his patients during their gynecological appointments at prominent hospitals associated with Columbia University and New York Presbyterian.

The Associated Press reported that Hadden exploited the prestige of the hospitals where he worked to manipulate his patients. He would isolate them in a private office filled with pictures of his children and engage them in personal conversations. Once they were alone, he would proceed to fondle and probe them with gloveless fingers and sometimes orally.

Upon hearing his sentence, Hadden, originally from Englewood, New Jersey, broke down in tears. His defense lawyer argued for a lighter sentence of three years, citing Hadden's previous conviction for sexual abuse of a smaller number of women in a state court in 2016. Despite the conviction, Hadden faced no jail time, was required to register as a sex offender, and had his medical license revoked.

Defense attorney pleads for leniency, citing rehabilitation

His attorney, Deirdre von Dornum, argued that Hadden should receive credit for his rehabilitation. She stated:

"Here you have somebody who has already lost everything, and you're effectively giving him a life sentence."

Despite these pleas, the judge handed down a 20-year sentence, a far cry from the three years the defense was hoping for but also significantly less than the maximum 80 years Hadden could have faced.

Since the revelations, at least 245 victims of Hadden have come forward. Columbia Medical Center and New York Presbyterian have reached a $165 million settlement with a portion of Hadden's victims.

Justice delivered, but the impact of the abuse lingers

The sentencing of Robert Hadden marks the end of a long and painful chapter for his victims. However, the scars of his actions will undoubtedly remain with them for the rest of their lives. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust and integrity in the medical profession, and the devastating consequences when that trust is broken.

As the victims attempt to move forward, they can at least take solace in the fact that their abuser has been brought to justice. The 20-year sentence handed down to Hadden ensures that he will pay for his crimes, providing some measure of closure for those he harmed.

Despite the severity of the sentence, the case has raised questions about the adequacy of the justice system in dealing with such cases. The fact that Hadden was able to continue his practice for decades despite his actions is a sobering reminder of the challenges victims face in coming forward and the need for systemic change.

A disturbing case that has shaken the medical community

• Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist at Columbia University, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting numerous patients over several decades.
• Hadden was convicted on sex trafficking charges, including enticing victims to cross state lines for him to sexually assault them.
• At least 245 victims of Hadden have come forward since the revelations, and a $165 million settlement has been reached with a portion of the victims.
• The case has raised questions about the adequacy of the justice system in dealing with such cases and the need for systemic change.

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