NYC Neurologist Indicted for Sexually Abusing Patients During Massages
Dr. Tariq Lamki faces charges including first-degree sexual abuse and forcible touching after allegedly assaulting two patients at his Manhattan practice.
A Manhattan neurologist has been indicted on charges of sexually abusing two patients, alleging that he subjected them to unwanted sexual contact under the guise of providing massages within his examination room. Dr. Tariq Lamki, 51, was charged this week in connection with the alleged assaults at his practice, 14th Street Medical Arts, located in the vicinity of Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors stated that the alleged incidents occurred over a period of just over one week in August and September. The first alleged assault involved a 32-year-old female patient who complained of a migraine and dizziness on August 25. According to the indictment, Lamki allegedly instructed her to lie on the examination table to "relieve physical stress," and then proceeded to touch her inappropriately, including her private parts, until she was able to sit up.
The second alleged incident occurred on September 2, when Lamki reportedly began massaging a 23-year-old female patient’s back. The indictment claims he then touched her buttocks, slipped his hands under her skirt, and prevented her from standing by placing his weight on her. Prosecutors allege he then instructed her to lie on her back, grabbed her breasts, and continued to fondle her private parts. This abuse reportedly ended when Lamki allegedly told the patient to consider using a "vaginal wand" for neurological pain relief. Prosecutors indicated the second victim allegedly recorded the interaction, during which she can be heard swatting at Lamki and stating her pain was "not there."
Dr. Lamki is facing two counts each of first-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, and third-degree sexual abuse. He pleaded not guilty to the charges before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Cori Weston, who set bail at $25,000. Prosecutors had requested bail be set at $100,000 cash.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued a statement, saying, "A doctor’s appointment should never end in sexual abuse." He added, "This investigation is ongoing. I urge anyone who has been assaulted by a doctor to call our Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Bureau at 212-335-4308."
If convicted of first-degree sexual abuse, Lamki faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. His attorney and his practice did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lamki is scheduled to return to court on January 20.