Smithtown Chiropractor Touched Teen's Breasts During Exam: Suffolk DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Smithtown man who practices as a chiropractor in Lake Ronkonkoma admitted to touching a 16-year-old female patient's breasts during an examination, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Tuesday.

Ronald Bernardini, 65, pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, the DA said.

"This defendant abused his position as a licensed chiropractor when he took advantage of an innocent patient to satisfy his own sexual interests," Tierney said in a news release. "Instead of upholding his duty to provide medical care, the defendant violated his duty and the victim's trust by conducting his examination extremely inappropriately. Predatory behavior, especially against minors, will not be tolerated in Suffolk County."

Bernardini saw the girl for a routine chiropractor examination on Oct. 24, 2022, when she was brought into an exam room while her father was being seen in another room, court documents say.

During the exam, Bernadini unnecessarily brushed his hands against the breasts of the girl, who was 16 at the time, the DA said. The girl immediately texted her father and a friend once the exam was done, officials said.

The girl and her father then left the chiropractic office, authorities said. While driving home from the office, the girl called her mother, who then called the police, prosecutors said. Bernardini was arrested on Oct. 25, 2022.

Bernardini pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the misdemeanor. He was required to surrender his license to practice as a chiropractor. The judge also issued an order of protection against Bernadini for the teenager.

Bernardini was represented by Anthony La Pinta.

"If you believe that you or someone you know have been victimized by Ronald Bernadini, or any medical professional, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department or the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office," the DA's office wrote.