Mass. doctor accused of sex abuse by hundreds of patients indicted on rape charges

A Massachusetts doctor accused of sexually assaulting more than 200 patients now faces criminal rape charges.

A grand jury on Thursday indicted Dr. Derrick Todd on two rape charges, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan's office. Todd is accused of sexually assaulting two patients during medical examinations.

The assaults allegedly took place in December 2022 and June 2023, according to Ryan's office.

Todd pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Friday.

The indictment is the latest legal problem for the rheumatologist, who has worked at several Massachusetts health care providers, including Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and Charles River Health Associates in Framingham.

More than 200 patients have joined a lawsuit accusing Todd of sexual assault during examinations. Plaintiffs said he would give them unnecessary breast, rectal and vaginal exams.

"The news of Derrick Todd’s indictment provides a resounding moment of validation for the patients he sexually assaulted and the brave survivors who came forward with the truth of this so-called medical professional’s deplorable conduct," said Paula Bliss, an partner with Justice Law Center, which is representing scores of plaintiffs in the civil case against Todd.

The Associated Press left a telephone message with Anthony Abeln, an attorney who has represented Todd in the civil case, and with Ingrid Martin, a criminal lawyer who has represented Todd.

Addressing the civil case in 2024, Abeln said the physician "will defend his care as the case progresses through the Massachusetts Superior Court system."

Reporting from The Associated Press and WBUR was used in this report.