A New York state anesthesiologist, Paul Giacopelli, 60, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing his family’s nanny after drugging her with a powerful anesthetic while she slept in his home. This disturbing case, which has drawn significant media attention, culminated in a plea deal that will see Giacopelli serve only four years in prison, a sentence many critics argue is shockingly lenient for the crimes he committed.
Giacopelli, formerly the chief anesthesiologist at Putnam Hospital Center, admitted to repeatedly using Sevoflurane, an anesthetic agent, to incapacitate the nanny. The 25-year-old victim reported that on at least four occasions in 2023, she woke up to a rag soaked with chemicals being held over her face, leading her to lose consciousness. The assaults took place in Giacopelli's home in Southeast, New York, where the nanny frequently stayed overnight to care for his children while he worked.
‘Chloroform fetish’: Anesthesiologist pleads guilty to drugging, abusing nanny who he wrongly considered easy ‘target’ https://t.co/m025vuTij8
— Law & Crime (@lawcrimenews) August 25, 2024
The case broke open after the nanny, suspicious of what was happening to her, set up a hidden camera in the living room where she slept. The footage captured Giacopelli in the act, leading her to report the assaults to the authorities.
Following an investigation by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Giacopelli was arrested in December 2023 and later indicted on multiple charges of sexual abuse and assault. Despite facing a potential 15-year prison sentence if convicted at trial, Giacopelli secured a plea deal that significantly reduced his time behind bars.
NY anesthesiologist with ‘chloroform fetish’ convicted of drugging, sexually assaulting kids’ nanny https://t.co/OnKG4uUgtO pic.twitter.com/VVhkdTIQqJ
— New York Post (@nypost) August 25, 2024
In court, Giacopelli admitted not only to the sexual abuse but also to stealing drugs, including fentanyl, from the hospital to use in his attacks. The anesthesiologist's admission of having a "chloroform fetish" and targeting the nanny because she was a "heavy sleeper" added a disturbing layer to the case. His actions have resulted in the revocation of his medical license by the state Board for Professional Medical Conduct.
The victim's bravery in coming forward and enduring the grueling process of investigation and prosecution was praised by Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy. He credited her courage as pivotal in achieving Giacopelli's guilty plea. The sentencing is set for November 20, 2024, where Giacopelli will not only serve his prison term but also face up to 10 years of post-release supervision and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
The case has also sparked a lawsuit filed by the victim against Giacopelli, his wife, and the hospitals where he worked, accusing them of negligence in allowing him to access the drugs used in the assaults. This lawsuit could have broader implications for how hospitals monitor and control access to powerful narcotics, particularly among medical professionals.
This case underscores the gravity of abuse perpetrated by individuals in positions of trust and the ongoing challenges in ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes. Despite the outcome, the victim's resolve and the support of law enforcement have brought a dangerous predator to justice, albeit with a sentence that many feel does not match the severity of the crimes committed.
The “prosecutor & judge that accepted the ples deal should both lose their jobs. If the perpetrator goes to jail and other prisoners find out about him he might not even serve 4 years. He will receive “jail justice” that he deserves.