Child psychiatrist convicted as perv

A child psychiatrist with offices in Rego Park has been convicted of sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child who was his patient - and is promising to appeal.
Dr. Raj A. Danthuluri, 40, of 810 Highview Avenue in Hicksville, Long Island was convicted on Monday, December 22, following a three-day bench trial before Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Barry Kron.
According to the criminal complaint, the unidentified 16-year-old victim said that on Wednesday, May 14, during her first psychiatric consultation at Danthuluri’s offices at 64-33 99th Street in Rego Park, he grabbed her breast under her clothing.
She further said that on a second visit, on Wednesday, July 23, Danthuluri lifted her shirt and touched her breasts more extensively.
She was only 15-year-old at the time; the incidents came to light when she told her mother, according to reports.
District Attorney Richard A. Brown said, “As a medical doctor and therapist the defendant must have been aware of how harmful his actions would be to his young patient.”
He also said that that the matter would be referred to the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct for a review of Dr. Danthuluri’s medical license.
“A doctor’s office should always be a safe place for a patient, free of sexual predators - especially those treating children,” Brown continued.
Danthuluri faces up to a year in jail when he is sentenced on Friday, February 13. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and contribute his DNA to the state’s DNA databank.
But his attorney Joseph Hanshe of Sayville, Long Island is promising to appeal the decision, calling it “outrageous.”
“There was no fondling,” Hanshe told The Queens Courier. “The patient was being evaluated for heavy-duty medications - she was complaining of chest pains and rapid heartbeat.” he said.
Hanshe insisted that Danthuluri was trained to conduct physical examinations during his residency at Nassau County Medical Center, and that her mother was present during the first examination.
He also claimed that “They brought in an ‘expert’ who had never touched a stethoscope to a woman’s chest in his career.”
“This patient was diagnosed with oppositional-defiant disorder,” he claimed, adding that the girl had been arrested for robbery and assault, “was thrown out of school,” was “on probation at Family Court,” and had “kicked and spit at a police officer,” while being restrained for fighting in front of the unnamed school.
Hanshe pointed out that the girl had been visiting a therapist “once or twice a week” for seven months after seeing Danthuluri, “and she never said anything about it” according to the therapist’s record.
“It’s ridiculous,” Hanshe insisted. “He’s a good doctor and a family man,” saying he would file for the appeal at the sentencing.
It was unclear whether Danthuluri would be allowed to remain free on bail after the sentencing.