Chiropractor Arrested for Second Allegation of Sexual Assault
Long Island chiropractor Douglas Dukofsky, 48, has been arrested for a second time following allegations of sexual abuse. The doctor was originally placed in custody in March 2013. At the time, a 21-year-old female patient claimed he used an electronic massaging device inappropriately on her. Her mother was in the room and immediately called the police. Dukofsky pleaded not guilty, and while that particular case is sealed, sources indicate there was never a conviction.
This time, the chiropractor allegedly touched a 42-year-old patient at Valley Stream Chiropractic Wellness Center without her consent after she had made an appointment for a routine check-up.
According to the criminal complaint, Dukofsky was treating the woman for neck and shoulder pain when he began rubbing other areas of her body, including above the buttocks all the while making “moaning sounds and…sweating profusely indicating a sense of gratification from his actions.”
Dukofsky was arrested for a second time at his home on Monday, October 16th, and charged with sexual abuse. District Court Judge William Hohauser released Dukofsky and ordered him to stay away from the second victim. Many of Dukofsky’s neighbors seem to be shocked by the allegations.
“It’s really hard to believe,” said neighbor Alan Yanofsky. “He’s a very decent guy and a good neighbor. I feel bad to hear something like this.” Yanofsky said Dukofsky invited him and his wife to stay at their place across the street when the couple had to evacuate during Superstorm Sandy. “He put us up for a couple of nights over there,” Yanofsky said. “They’re a lovely couple; lovely family.”
Another woman who wished to remain anonymous said, “They’ve been lovely neighbors. That’s all I can say about them — they have lovely kids, they’re lovely people.” And, a neighbor who is also one of Dukofsky’s patients said, “I went to him many times as my chiropractor, he didn’t do anything inappropriate whatsoever. The wife says he keeps getting set up, so I don’t know what that’s all about. They’re like, good people.”
Dukofsky holds degrees from Stony Brook University and Life University College of Chiropractic. According to Valley Stream Chiropractic Wellness Center’s website, he is the founder and creator of a treatment called Structural Restoration, and the doctor specializes in curing pain from whiplash, arthritis, headaches, sports injuries, and accidents, as well as other ailments.
Next to Dr. Dukofsky’s photo on center’s website is the following blurb: We believe that each Health Care Professional and patient become a team for treating an individual’s Health problems. Dr. Dukofsky and his staff spend most of their time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the best treatment options for you. With the help of our professional staff, they also follow up to make sure that problems are resolved and your health improves. We want our patients to be informed about muscle, bone, joint and connective tissue concerns and treatments, because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well-being…We hope you’ll find our practice offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a chiropractor.
Sources:
Valley Stream chiropractor charged with sex abuse
Long Island Chiropractor Accused Of Touching Patient Inappropriately
Valley Stream chiropractor accused of forcibly touching patient
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