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I’m listening in to the remote hearing for former OB-GYN Robert Hadden, an alleged “serial offender” who has been accused of sexually abusing dozens of women and girls from 1993 to 2012. He is facing decades in prison. https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2020/09/09/nyc-gynecologist-robert-hadden-facing-federal-sex-abuse-charges-9424107
Counsel for the government is pushing the court to detain Hadden for fear that he has the means to flee. He has transferred thousands of dollars, notably about $100,00 to his daughters in the past year. That recommendation is supported by all 20 supporters who spoke w the gvt.
The defense is arguing that Hadden did not flee previously, though the government counsel noted earlier that Hadden did not need to fear jail time. Hadden has not served jail time but gave up his medical license, per a deal with the Manhattan DA’s office.
Hadden allegedly has $174 and a home. He has no passport. Hadden also has a son who is “mentally retarded” and all of the son’s “daily requirements ... are attended to by Mr. Hadden,” says his defense.
Pre-trial services recommends bail is set, the defense says. “There is absolutely no reason for him to be detained,” she says.
The defense preemptively says it objects to any anonymous accounts. Jessica Sell Chambers is the first victim to speak, who has previously not come forward.
“I don’t think he deserves any opportunity to prevent justice,” she says. “The court needs to ensure he has no chance to leave or hurt himself.”
Lauren Kanyok, through counsel, says she called the police after her postpartum visit. She got a rape test and was ripped away from her newborn after a doctor’s visit. Hadden allegedly continued to abuse other women after that NYPD call, Kanyok said in her statement.
“This is not Jeffrey Epstein,” says defense when objecting to Jane Doe testimonies being read. The judge has overruled that objection.
Jane Doe #3: “Countless patients including myself have suffered from his actions.”
Jane Doe #4: Hadden “has assaulted single women, married women, pregnant women and minors. ... he should not be granted bail.”
Jane Doe #4: Hadden “has assaulted single women, married women, pregnant women and minors. ... he should not be granted bail.”
Federal Judge Robert Lehrburger: “The nature of the offense is monstrous. It involves an allegation ... took advantage and damaged” women and minors.
Survivors are coming forward in volumes and can corroborate each other, Lehrburger says. “If I knew with a fair degree of certainty that the defendant would be found guilty, there would be more reason to order detention. I can’t say I have that knowledge at this time.”
“I do believe that the defense has presented facts that indicate that the defendant theoretically has ... it’s unclear what cash reserves are there,” Lehrburger says.
“The bottom line is while it may be desirable to detain someone out of retribution and the desire to ensure that they will be present, my standard that I have to follow” is that reasonable conditions can be met, Lehrburger says.
“We are certainly reminded by the demise of an early defendant that was mentioned (Epstein) that one can avoid being brought to justice by taking their own life,” Lehrburger says. He thinks it’s not a likely possibility, though, he says.
Lehrburger is not prepared to detain him but “entertain the strict set of circumstances and conditions for the defendant’s release. One of those is a bond of substantial value.”
The defense suggests a bond of $1 million signed by his wife and secured by his home. Hadden would be able to stay home, per pre-trial suggestions, his defense argues.
“I think $1 million is appropriate. It must be secured by pledging the home and co-signed by three responsible people,” Lehrburger says.
Hadden can leave the home for necessities, medical, legal and religious reasons only, Lehrburger says. Hadden will be subjected to GPS monitoring.
Travel is also subjected to New York and New Jersey. Hadden must surrender his passport and any applications for such travel. He will be supervised by pre-trial services as directed, Lehrburger says. Hadden will be subject to mental health services.
If Hadden does not fulfill the requirements, a warrant will be our for his arrest, Lehrburger says. He would then face more jail time.
