After mounting criticism against Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance for his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against powerful, well-heeled men, his office announced a new investigation into claims against the former Columbia University gynecologist Robert Hadden.
Hadden, who evaded prison time for sex abuse charges under a plea deal led by Vance's office in 2016, now faces sexual misconduct claims from more than 65 women, a lawyer representing the women, Anthony DiPietro confirmed.
Vance assigned incoming Sex Crimes Unit Chief Coleen Balbert and senior prosecutor Mimi Mairs to lead the investigation into any new claims—which would be into allegations District Attorney's office found out about after the 2016 plea deal due to language in that agreement. Vance's office did not have further details regarding how many allegations it is investigating since the inquiry is ongoing, but Vance spokesperson Danny Frost said, "our prosecutors are in touch with a representative of a number of survivors."
"We admire the courage of the survivors who have recently shared their stories," Frost said in an emailed statement. "Their voices will be heard and the abuse they suffered will be thoroughly investigated."
The new inquiry comes about a month after Evelyn Yang, former cosmetics executive and the wife of former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, revealed she, too, was among dozens women who say they were subjected to sexual abuse by the disgraced doctor. Yang said in an interview with CNN that Hadden sexually assaulted her while pregnant after months of inappropriate questions during her obstetrics appointments.
Vance has faced increased scrutiny for his handling of high-profile sexual misconduct cases, such as Harvey Weinstein, whose case is currently undergoing jury deliberations. Vance had earlier declined to prosecute groping allegations against Weinstein in 2015, and soon after received thousands of dollars in campaign donations from an attorney who had previously represented Weinstein. Earlier this month, a cohort of city councilmembers demanded Vance resign from his post. The top prosecutor is also facing the prospect of a crowded primary for his reelection.
"I just think the timing is highly suspect," Marissa Hoeschstetter, who was the first to publicly accuse Hadden of sexual assault, told Gothamist/WNYC in a phone interview Friday morning. "It should not take 70 people. Is that the world that we live in—that crimes of a serial criminal [aren't taken] seriously until we know of over 50 people? What is our threshold in society for this shit?"
Despite her mixed feelings, she said: "I'm really glad [the DA's office is] doing the right thing."
"I've heard from women last night and this morning who feel like there might be a path forward for them now, who had really been sort of suffering alone, feeling there was nothing left for them to do," said Hoeschstetter, who founded the Reform the Sex Crimes Unit.
On Friday, her group demanded Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York Attorney General Letitia James appoint a special prosecutor to handle the case in place of Vance. The group also demanded state-level investigations into Hadden, Columbia University where Hadden practiced, and Vance's handling of the case.
Columbia spokesperson Robert Hornsby said in a statement, “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our patients. We condemn sexual misconduct in any form and will cooperate fully with any request for information from the District Attorney’s office related to Robert Hadden.”
Cuomo's and James's office did not immediately respond to questions about whether the state would get involved.
Vance's office said survivors of Hadden's abuse are encouraged to call the District Attorney at 212-335-9373.
With Gwynne Hogan.
