By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Video Photo
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 15 – Columbia University doctor Robert A. Hadden was hit on September 9, 2020 with a Federal indictment charging that "sexually abused dozens of female patients, including multiple minors, under the guise of conducting purported gynecological and obstetric examinations."
The case was assigned to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Richard M. Berman, who handled the case of Jeffrey Epstein until he died in the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Epstein came up during the bail argument, which Hadden won. Inner City Press live tweeted it, below.
On July 14, Judge Berman docketed a letter the US had filed, with a full paragraph redacted, that it will seek a superseding indictment on another count of enticement, regarding an adult Victim-6. Letter on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here.
On August 2, Hadden's publicly funded (for now) counsel filed a series of motions, with redactions, citing Evelyn Yang and request dismissal of the case. It mentioned Evelyn Yang's interview then redacts a two line sentence. Then, "Andrew Yang public a statement, this media attention led to outrage regarding the 'lenient' sentence Mr. Hadden had received in the DANY Prosecution." Yes.
On December 15, 2021, Judge Berman held a proceeding and Inner City Press live tweeted it here (podcast here)
in Day 3 of 3 hiatus in Ghislaine Maxwell trial, now another sexual exploitation case, Columbia's "Dirty Doc" Hadden
Judge Berman (joining the proceeding after a meeting): If you want to have some additional argument, I'm happy to hear that. Defense lawyer: We believe an evidentiary hearing is appropriate. There was been more than normal cooperation between the two prosecutors
AUSA Kim: Defendant has failed to justify any sort of evidentiary hearing. It's all speculation. There are numerous cases where there has been a Federal prosecution after a state case. [Uh, like US Attorney Alex Acosta sending Epstein case back to the state?]
Judge Berman: I'm far along with my draft. I'll include today's comments. I can have a written ruling by 4 pm today. [Inner City Press will report on that as well.]
Hadden's 2d lawyer, Federal Defender Deirdre D. Von Dornum: We would like oral argument on our motion to suppress. Judge Berman: I could hear it right now. I have the time. Von Dornum: Some of it should not be public. [Oh, that again.]
Judge Berman: In January we have a lot of pre-trial scheduling to accomplish. We start our trial on March 28. For the moment there are only a limited number of court room where jury trials can take place. [Because COVID. Hadden has a call-in line. Why not Maxwell?
Judge Berman: We have another request, that came in yesterday, requesting a jury questionnaire. AUSA Kim: We oppose the questionnaire, and believe the Court can effectively preside over voir dire. We'll file by Tuesday, Dec 21.
Judge Berman: I'd thought Monday Judge Berman: We'll need an hour at least for oral argument. It'll be January 5. And jury selection March 28. Adjourned.
Back on September 9, 2020 close to 10 pm, Hadden emerged from Pre-Trial then the courthouse. Inner City Press and three others sought to ask him questions, about the victims' statements and double jeopardy. He did not answer. A man in an FBI t-shirt led him first up Mulberry Street, then past the NYC criminal court at 100 Centre Street and finally out to Broadway and Reade Street where a taxi was waiting for Hadden. Periscope video here.
SDNY Acting US Attorney Audrey Strauss held a press conference about the case on September 9.
Inner City Press asked her if the indictment had been returned by a fully in-person grand jury, or if it had included a virtual component of the type being questioned in the CIA / Joshua Schulte, Melzer, Balde and other cases.
US Attorney Strauss said the indictment was returned in the normal course, by a sitting grand jury. Periscope video here. Alamy photo here. She declined to say whether her office would be seeking detention pending trial, or agreeing to a bail package as they did in the recent case of indicted UN rapist Karim Elkorany.
There was no mention at the press conference for the charges against Hadden made publicly by Evelyn Yang, the wife of Andrew Yang, and not much mention of Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance.
Hours later, a bail proceeding before SDNY Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger (and not the Magistrate on duty on September 8, Barbara Moses). Inner City Press live tweeted it:
Speaking for the US is AUSA Maurene Comey...
Judge Lehrburger: We are proceeding under the CARES Act. This is open to the press and public. Any recording is prohibited. Hadden's lawyer: We are only representing him for this proceeding
Judge Lehrburger: You have the right to remain silent... You have a right to be released unless I find danger to the community or risk of non-appearance for future court proceedings. [Note: Ghislaine Maxwell was found a risk of flight]
Judge Lehrburger: You are charged with six counts of Enticement and Inducement to Travel To Engage In Illegal Sex Acts. Hadden's lawyer enters not guilty plea. AUSA Maurene Comey: The government seeks detention as risk of flight.
AUSA Comey: Today, the government has communicated with 20 victims. They all say he should be detained. He has the financial means to flee. Because of the minor victim, there is a statutory presumption of detention that cannot be overcome.
AUSA Comey: He abused dozens of victims, including multiple minors, as prominent institution's [Columbia U] OB-GYN. He would sent nurses out of the room. [Did they ever report it?]
AUSA Comey: He conducted unneeded breast exams. He touched genitals without any medical purpose. He attempted to stimulate them, to gratify himself. For two decades. One victim, he had delivered as a baby
AUSA Comey: The women traveled to see him because he worked at a prominent institution. [What about Columbia?]
The case is US v. Hadden, 20-cr-468 (Berman).
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