Police: Ronkonkoma chiropractor forcibly touched 16-year-old patient's breasts during examination

The 64-year-old doctor told News 12 the story is not true. He and another man came out of their office to tell News 12 to get off the property.

News 12 Staff

Oct 26, 2022, 10:09 PM

Updated 558 days ago

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A Ronkonkoma chiropractor was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a teenage patient during an examination.
Police say the a 16-year-old patient came in to Dr. Ronald Bernardini's office on Monday for back pain.
When she was getting examined, the doctor allegedly forcibly touched her breasts.
After the exam, the teenager told her parents about the incident and a report was filed with Suffolk County police.
The doctor was arrested the next day at his office.
The 64-year-old doctor told News 12 the story is not true. He and another man came out of their office to tell News 12 to get off the property.
When asked if he would go on camera and speak, Bernardini said, "I don't want the camera here - I've been barraged with so much **** that's not true."
Crime Victims Center executive director Laura Ahearn says it is not uncommon for professionals or people in positions of trust to sexually victimize a child or teenager.
"The good news here is that this teen told, because what happens is kids are too afraid normally to report it. So, because she reported it, you now will see potentially other victims coming forward and this will put a stop to it," Ahearn says.
The investigation is ongoing.
Suffolk County police ask any potential victims of Bernardini to call police.


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