A Massachusetts grand jury has indicted Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist, on rape charges involving two women, as allegations of sexual abuse from more than 200 former patients span over a decade.
The accusations include claims that Todd performed unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and other unwarranted procedures dating back to 2010. On Thursday, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office announced Todd’s indictment for “two counts of rape” stemming from incidents in December 2022 and June 2023.
Todd pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Friday and was held on $10,000 bail. As conditions of his release, he must avoid contact with victims, surrender his passport and medical licenses, refrain from practicing medicine, and abstain from applying for new passports or licenses.
The ongoing criminal investigation is expected to expand, according to William Thompson, an attorney at Boston’s Lubin & Meyer, which represents more than 180 accusers. Thompson said, “This is just the beginning of the criminal case against Dr. Todd, but it reinforces the civil claims we are pursuing. It’s fundamentally about a doctor abusing his position and exploiting patients’ trust for personal sexual gratification.”
Brigham and Women's Hospital, where Todd was previously employed, received anonymous complaints about him in April 2023, prompting an internal investigation. The hospital terminated him in July, and Todd later agreed with the Board of Registration in Medicine to cease practicing medicine nationwide.
The lawsuit also names other defendants, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, accusing them of failing to act despite knowing about Todd’s misconduct. Victims’ ages range from teens to women in their 60s.
Paula Bliss, a partner with the Massachusetts-based Justice Law Collaborative, described the indictment as a critical step for the survivors. “It’s a resounding moment of validation for the patients he assaulted and the brave survivors who came forward with the truth about this so-called medical professional’s appalling behavior,” Bliss stated.
The civil case against Todd is in the discovery phase, and additional criminal charges may follow as investigations continue.