CARMEL, N.Y. (TCN) — An anesthesiologist pleaded guilty last week to knocking a woman unconscious with a chemical and sexually assaulting her, which the victim recorded with a hidden camera.
The Putnam County District Attorney’s Office announced in a statement Aug. 22 that Paul Giacopelli entered the plea for one count of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of second-degree assault. He will serve four years in prison and a maximum of 10 years of post-release supervision. In addition, Giacopelli must register as a sex offender.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 29, deputies received information that the victim was “given anesthesia without her knowledge and was subsequently sexually assaulted.” Investigators learned Giacopelli was the chief anesthesiologist at Putnam County Hospital and was able to obtain different drugs. Deputies arrested Giacopelli the next day on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and four counts of second-degree assault.
CBS News reports the victim worked for Giacopelli’s family as his children’s caretaker. She reportedly told investigators that she blacked out four different times after waking up to a rag with chemicals being put on her face. The victim became concerned and hid a camera in a room to confirm her suspicions. She reportedly captured the Dec. 29 incident and shared it with investigators.
According to CBS News, Giacopelli admitted he put sevoflurane, a type of chemical anesthesia, on a rag and placed it over the victim’s face to make her pass out. He reportedly claimed to have a “chloroform fetish” and that he targeted the victim because she was a “heavy sleeper.”
Giacopelli’s medical license was revoked after his arrest.
District Attorney Robert Tendy said in the statement, “The victim’s cooperation with the investigation and prosecution, and her bravery and willingness to testify resulted in the defendant’s guilty plea.”