Anesthesiologist arrested for alleged sexual assaults in Putnam County

Paul Giacopelli, 59, was arraigned in Southeast Town Court Saturday on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and four counts of second-degree assault.

Katerina Belales

Jan 3, 2024, 5:24 PM

Updated 341 days ago

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A Putnam County anesthesiologist has been arrested and accused of using anesthesia to sexually assault a woman several times over the course of a month.
Paul Giacopelli, 59, was arraigned in Southeast Town Court Saturday on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and four counts of second-degree assault.
Investigators with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office told News 12 the assaults happened during December and that all the charges relate to multiple assaults of the same woman.
Giacopelli works for Northwell Health and has privileges at Putnam County Hospital Center in Carmel. He is a New York Medical College graduate and is certified to practice by the American Board of Anesthesiology.
Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville said in a release that investigators on Dec. 29 interviewed a female victim who told them she was given anesthesia without her knowledge and then sexually assaulted. The next day, Giacopelli was interviewed and then arrested. Officials said the victim and Giacopelli know each other.
Giacopelli made bail Tuesday, officials said.
News 12 went to Giacopelli's most recent address in Brewster and called several numbers associated with him seeking a response to the allegations but has not heard back from Giacopelli.
Northwell Health issued a statement late Wednesday stating – in part – that Giacopelli "was immediately relieved of all patient care duties pending further investigation. We will cooperate with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their investigation."
Investigators are asking anyone who might have information on these incidents or other possible incidents to call their office immediately at 845-808-4377.
Giacopelli is due back in Southeast Town Court on Jan. 11.