Anesthesiologist Admits Drugging, Sexually Abusing Woman

CARMEL, NY — An anesthesiologist who used his expertise to sexually abuse woman has admitted his guilt.

Putnam County District Attorney Robert V. Tendy announced today that Paul Giacopelli, a Southeast resident, pled guilty on Wednesday to two violent felony offenses, sexual abuse in the first degree and assault in the second degree.

After an investigation by the Putnam County Sheriff’s office working with the victim and the district attorney’s office, Giacopelli was arrested and ultimately confessed. At the time of his arrest, Giacopelli was the chief anesthesiologist at Putnam County Hospital.

Investigators fount that Giacopelli used a chemical which rendered his victim unconscious. He then sexually abused her.

According to the terms of his plea bargain, Giacopelli will be sentenced to four years in prison with post-release supervision for up to ten years. He must register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act.

"I’m very proud of the work of the Sheriff’s Department and ADA Lynch; but I’m mostly proud of the victim’s courage in going through this process which led to the defendant’s arrest and conviction," Tendy said.

The case was investigated by Investigator Keith Simone and other members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa Lynch.

Giacopelli is scheduled to be sentenced by County Court Judge Anthony Molé on November 20.