Nassau Doc Indicted For Hidden Bathroom Camera
Posted on Wednesday, 18 of November , 2009 at 4:59 pm
NASSAU COUNTY—A North Hills cardiologist has been indicted by a grand jury after illegally installing a hidden camera in the office bathroom of his Manhasset doctor’s office to secretly view patients and employees without their knowledge.
Vincent Pacienza, 54, had been indicted on the charge of unlawful surveillance in the second degree. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted. He was arraigned in Nassau County Court, Mineola and is due back in court Jan. 27.
According to prosecutors, in June 2008, Pacienza, a cardiologist who owns a medical practice in Manhasset, told some of his female employees that he would be installing an air purifier in the office restroom that was shared by both employees and patients. Pacienza also closed down the employees-only bathroom, forcing everyone in the office to use the bathroom with the air purifier.
Unbeknownst to all except Pacienza, however, the air purifier contained a hidden camera with a direct video feed to a monitor underneath Pacienza’s desk. The camera was discovered that same month when an employee opening the office mail discovered an invoice to Pacienza for the hidden camera and air purifier from a Web site specializing in surveillance equipment.
Pacienza was arrested on June 13, 2008 by detectives from the Nassau County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.
The DA’s Office has contacted the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC). In addition to criminal prosecution, OPMC could also suspend or revoke Pacienza’s medical license. 11-18-09
Category: Courts, Crime, Health, New York State
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