Damien Knighton, a 41-year-old resident of East Boston, has been sentenced to serve nine to 12 years in state prison for the disturbing crime of sexually assaulting four male patients. These assaults took place during unauthorized genital and rectal exams conducted by Knighton, who was employed as a medical assistant at a care center within Massachusetts General Hospital. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office made the announcement of Knighton’s sentencing, highlighting the severity of the charges he faced and the impact of his actions on the victims.
A Shocking Revelation and Legal Proceedings
The case against Knighton began when a patient reported a troubling incident of sexual assault at the Massachusetts General Hospital Back Bay Health Center on Commonwealth Avenue. This initial report prompted further investigations, leading to additional victims coming forward with similar claims against the former medical assistant. Knighton was ultimately found guilty on six counts of indecent assault and battery on individuals over the age of 14, emphasizing the egregious nature of his crimes.
During the legal proceedings, Judge Debra Squires-Lee expressed her grave concerns about the severity of the assaults, particularly noting that four of the charges involved penetration of the victims. She emphasized how Knighton had abused his position of trust as a medical assistant to perpetrate these heinous acts, causing significant emotional and psychological harm to those who had placed their faith in him. The impact of Knighton’s actions was further highlighted when one of the victims bravely read an impact statement in court, detailing the profound personal and professional toll that the assaults had taken on him.
A Message of Empathy and Healing
In response to the victim impact statements, Judge Squires-Lee offered words of support and encouragement to the survivors, acknowledging their bravery in coming forward and emphasizing that the shame of the assaults did not belong to them. She reassured them that healing was possible with love and support, underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding in the aftermath of such traumatic events.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden commended the courage of the victims in sharing their stories and praised the jury for returning the appropriate verdict in the case. He also expressed gratitude for Judge Squires-Lee’s compassionate handling of the sentencing, which included a nine to 12-year prison term for Knighton, followed by three years of probation and a lifetime banishment from the medical field in Massachusetts. Additionally, Knighton will be required to register with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, ensuring that he is held accountable for his actions and can no longer pose a threat to vulnerable individuals.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of this disturbing case, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in healthcare settings. The trust placed in medical professionals must be respected and upheld, with stringent measures in place to prevent such egregious violations of that trust. Through the courage of the victims, the dedication of law enforcement and legal authorities, and the unwavering commitment to justice, steps can be taken to ensure that individuals like Damien Knighton are held accountable for their actions and that survivors receive the support and validation they deserve.
