The former director of a Virginia hospital that treats children and young adults has been acquitted following a high-profile trial.
Dr. Daniel Davidow was indicted in November 2022 for allegedly subjecting two patients to sexual abuse. Several lawsuits were filed against Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents in New Kent County by more than three dozen female patients accusing Davidow of misconduct.
Prosecutors eventually charged Davidow with sexually assaulting two young women.
Judge B. Elliot Bondurant decided Davidow’s fate after a four-day trial, finding him not guilty on all four counts.
Davidow’s lead attorney, Craig Cooley, praised the decision but lamented his client’s sullied reputation.
Cooley maintained the not guilty verdict was “based on the evidence and the lack of credibility of the complainants.”
“He knew that this is what should happen and is very pleased that this is what did happen,” Cooley added, noting his client’s bittersweet reaction.
“Nothing that happens will change the fact that the accusation alone besmirches somebody’s character and their reputation, and he understands that he can’t change people’s response to an accusation, but we think this verdict is a vindication of sorts.”
Prosecutors alleged Davidow used physical examinations as a “ruse” to abuse vulnerable minors.
Davidow and his legal team vehemently deny the allegations, with Cooley describing the 71-year-old doctor as a dedicated physician committed to helping those less fortunate.
Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents provides specialized medical care for young patients with chronic illnesses, complex brain injuries and neurobehavioral disorders.
Patients may be admitted under a court order, without their consent or willingness.
Civil proceedings against Davidow remain ongoing, with former patients claiming $387 million in damages against the doctor, the hospital and its parent company. The first civil trial is set for Sept. 9, 2024.
CBS 6 Richmond has more on the civil litigation:
The first multi-million-dollar lawsuit was filed in the case in October 2020 over allegations of abuse and neglect against patients by certain staff members at the facility that treats medically complex children.
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The plaintiffs, represented by the law firm Breit Biniazan, are asking the court to group the case by close to a dozen alleged victims at a time but the defendants want the case heard on a case-by-case basis.
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Of the 46 former patients that have filed suit against the hospital, 36 are accusing Dr. Davidow of sexual misconduct.
Dr. Davidow served as Cumberland’s Medical Director for more than 20 years but was terminated in February 2020 shortly after a CBS 6 investigative report detailed some of the accusations against him.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by CBS 6 revealed the hospital received at least five citations for verbal and physical abuse and improper social isolation.
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