FAVORABLE VERDICT: Former MGH/Brigham Medical Assistant Found Guilty of Sexual Assault
Justice Law Collaborative (JLC), Attorney Tyler Fox, and advocates for victims of sexual assault and personal injury, earned a legal victory last week when Suffolk County Superior Court found former medical assistant employed by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH/Brigham) guilty of sexual assault.
After being charged, the perpetrator (Damien Knighton) was sentenced to three consecutive sentences of 3 to 4 years each and can never again work in the medical field in Massachusetts. Knighton must also register with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board.
Judge Debra Squires-Lee, who oversaw the proceedings said, "The defendant used his position and status to facilitate commission of the offenses. The use of his position as a medical assistant to commit these crimes caused the victims additional emotional and psychic pain. They trusted the defendant, and that trust was abused."
Knighton was charged in January 2023 for sexually assaulting several patients at MGH/Brigham after telling the patients that they needed a prostate or rectal exam or needed to examine their genitals. Not only did the victims not require those exams, but none of the suggested exams were within the purview or experience of a medical assistant. The deviant sexual acts and phony and medically unnecessary exams perpetrated by Knighton, occurred when JLC clients visited MGH/Brigham's Back Bay Health Center to receive routine medical care.
Kelly Guagenty, an attorney and partner at Justice Law Collaborative said, "We stand in unwavering support of the survivors who courageously testified against Damien Knighton which led to his conviction on six counts of indecent assault and battery. Their resilience has been instrumental in securing justice and fostering a safer environment for all patients. We are gratified that the jury and judge recognized the gravity of these offenses, reinforcing our commitment to advocating for victims of such reprehensible acts."
While this conviction brings a measure of justice, it is imperative that MGH and its affiliates acknowledge their role in the survivors' trauma. Healthcare institutions have a fundamental duty to ensure patient safety by implementing stringent supervision and oversight protocols.
Guagenty continued, "We urge MGH and its affiliates to take full accountability for any lapses that may have contributed to these incidents and to implement comprehensive measures to prevent such violations in the future. By doing so, MGH and its affiliates can begin to rebuild trust and demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of all patients. Our firm remains steadfast in our dedication to providing trauma-informed legal support, ensuring that survivors' voices are heard, respected, and empowered throughout the legal process."
JLC and Fox are also pursuing civil cases against the individual perpetrator (Knighton), MGH/Brigham Inc., the Massachusetts Physicians Organization Inc., and Dr. Mark Dickinson for failing to prevent the assault and for negligence in their hiring practices, supervision, and retention of the employee in question. The firm is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Further, JLC and Fox are encouraging the immediate implementation of proactive measures to prevent the possibility of future assaults, especially for minor patients or those with intellectual, physical, or language vulnerabilities. Measures would include comprehensive training of all medical staff about patient boundaries and rights and a mandate that two healthcare professionals be present for all sensitive exams, especially those requiring a patient to be in a state of undress or those procedures that require physical contact of sensitive areas.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden also released a statement saying, "These incidents were egregious personal and ethical violations in a place of treatment and trust. I am grateful for the victims who bravely recounted Damien Knighton’s actions, and I thank the prosecutor, victim witness advocate and police investigators for their diligent work in bringing this defendant to justice."
Related News:
Damien Knighton was found guilty on six counts of rape. See story here. (WCVB-5; Boston)
Ex-medical assistant Damien Knighton sentenced in sexual assault of patients at Boston medical office (WCVB-5; Boston)
Former MGH medical assistant sentenced to 9 to 12 years in prison for indecent assault and battery (WHDH-7; Boston)
Former MGH medical assistant sentenced to 9-12 years in prison for sexually assaulting patients (FOX-25; Boston)
Mass General Hospital worker sentenced for sexually assaulting patient (Masslive.com)
NOTE: Individuals seeking to be linked to resources for sexual assault survivors can call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. The National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provides confidential support from trained staff members and can assist with finding local healthcare resources, help talk through what happened, and offer referrals for long-term support.