'Something we have never encountered': Suffolk DA announces 81 sex assault charges against Boston doctor

Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald on Apr 21, 2026

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BOSTON — A doctor who practiced at Brigham and Women’s Hospital faces 81 sexual assault charges, including rape, indecent assault and battery, and assault with intent to rape.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced Dr. Derrick Todd’s grand jury indictment Tuesday, describing the case as unprecedented.

“The allegations contained in these indictments outline serial sexual crimes that have little or no equivalent in the history of Suffolk County,” Hayden said. “The scale of victimization and the magnitude of trauma left in the wake of these allegations is something we have never encountered.”

The alleged crimes occurred between 2017 to 2023 and included 22 victims — women patients aged 17 to 56 years old — who went either to Brigham and Women’s in Boston or Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain for care.

The patients who went to see Todd, a rheumatologist, had complicated, serious conditions and extreme pain, Hayden said.

“They all placed their hopes for healing in Dr. Todd. They all place their deepest trust in Dr. Todd, and Dr. Todd intently groomed them all into quiet submission,” he said.

Both Hayden and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox spoke to the intricacies of the case, which included reviewing a large volume of medical records and texts message between Todd and the victims, as well as hiring a medical expert.

“The nature and scope of this investigation presented significant complexities that could only be overcome with hard work and dedication,” Cox said.

Prosecutors thanked the victims who cooperated with the investigation leading up to the indictments, in spite of how difficult it was.

“I want to thank all of the incredibly courageous women who have come forward. You’ve all been dignified, gracious, and patient in getting us to this point,” Hayden said. “Your commitment to tell your stories in the pursuit of justice, despite tremendous pain and difficulty, both physically and emotionally, deserves our utmost appreciation and respect.”

In a statement to the Herald, Mass General Brigham said that it appreciated the efforts of the DA and law enforcement for their investigation in Todd’s case.

“We first reported Dr. Todd to law enforcement during our investigation, following the receipt of anonymous complaints, and we continued to work closely with them throughout their investigation,” the statement said. “We also reached out to patients who were seen by Dr. Todd and offered extensive support for follow-up medical care, as well as assistance if they wanted to report their experience to law enforcement.”

“We take our duty to care for our patients and keep them safe extremely seriously,” Mass General Brigham added. “We are deeply distressed to learn of the depth and breadth of harm reflected in these new indictments. We will continue to provide support and respond to our patients’ needs during this challenging time. We recognize the incredible courage it has taken for all patients who have come forward to ensure that this conduct was exposed.”

In March, Todd was charged in Middlesex County in connection to the alleged sexual assault of 11 victims treated at Charles River Medical Associates.

“The defendant is accused of conducting unnecessary and excessively prolonged pelvic and breast examinations, performing procedures for which he lacked appropriate training or certification and engaging in conduct that was outside the accepted standards of medical care,” according to the Middlesex DA. “In several instances, the alleged assaults occurred under the guise of legitimate medical treatment, including purported pelvic floor therapy, despite the defendant not being qualified to perform such therapy.”

The doctor, who is no longer practicing, also faces two more rape charges in connection to alleged incidents with two more victims that were also issued Middlesex in January.

Additionally, a class action lawsuit has been filed by more than 200 of Todd’s patients who say they were abused or assaulted during what were supposed to be exams.

“When you trust someone in a position of power, go to them for healing, and are instead hurt, it’s frightening, confusing, and difficult to process. There is no shame. Predators are adept at picking up cues others cannot see,” one of the named victims in the suit Marianne “Mimi” DiTrani said after the complaint was initially filed in 2023.

Hayden said Todd was issued a summons and he could be arraigned as early as this week.

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