Doctor Indicted After Hidden Camera is Discovered in Manhasset Office’s Bathroom

Rice: Pacienza installed air purifier containing hidden camera; video feed went straight to his desk

MINEOLA, NY - Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that a North Hills cardiologist has been indicted by a grand jury after illegally installing a hidden camera in the office bathroom of his Manhasset doctor’s office to secretly view patients and employees without their knowledge.

On October 29, 2009, a grand jury indicted Vincent Pacienza, 54, on the charge of Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted. He was arraigned this morning in Nassau County Court, Mineola. He is due back in court January 27.

Rice said that in June 2008, Pacienza, a cardiologist who owns a medical practice in Manhasset, told some of his female employees that he would be installing an air purifier in the office restroom that was shared by both employees and patients. Pacienza also closed down the employees-only bathroom, forcing everyone in the office to use the bathroom with the air purifier.

Unbeknownst to all except Pacienza, however, the air purifier contained a hidden camera with a direct video feed to a monitor underneath Pacienza’s desk. The camera was discovered that same month when an employee opening the office mail discovered an invoice to Pacienza for the hidden camera and air purifier from a Web site specializing in surveillance equipment. Pacienza was arrested on June 13, 2008 by detectives from the Nassau County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

The DA’s Office has contacted the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC). In addition to criminal prosecution, OPMC could also suspend or revoke Pacienza’s medical license.

“This defendant not only abused the trust of his employees and his patients, but his entire profession,” Rice said. “My office will aggressively pursue and prosecute anyone who uses their professional position to exploit others.”

Assistant District Attorneys Guido Gabriele and Brian Heid of the Economic Crimes Bureau are handling the case for the District Attorney's Office. Pacienza is represented by Dennis Lemke, Esq. and Tom Gulotta, Esq.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.