The trial of Daniel N. Davidow, the former longtime medical director of a Virginia hospital serving vulnerable children, opened with allegations of sexual abuse by two teenage patients. The young women testified that Davidow groped their breasts and genitals during physical examinations, with one describing feeling shocked and tearful. The prosecution argued that these exams were a “ruse” used to touch the girls inappropriately, taking advantage of their vulnerable conditions as residents in the complex care facility. Davidow faces four felony charges stemming from these allegations, which he denies.
As the top prosecutor in New Kent County where Cumberland Hospital is located, T. Scott Renick described the exams as a manipulation of trust by Davidow, who had complete control over the girls as their medical director. In his defense, attorney Craig Cooley disputed the allegations, claiming that other clinicians who were present during the exams will testify that they never witnessed any inappropriate touching. Cooley portrayed Davidow as a dedicated physician committed to helping difficult or medically complex children and raised concerns about the motivations of the former patients, who are seeking compensation in a separate civil case.
Amidst concerns about the credibility of the former patients and discrepancies in their accounts of the alleged misconduct, the defense made a motion to strike the charges, which was unsuccessful. Renick argued that such inconsistencies are normal in cases of sexual abuse when victims disclose information incrementally. Davidow, now 71, pleaded not guilty to two counts of felony indecent liberties and two counts of object sexual penetration. Cumberland Hospital is known for treating children and young adults with complex medical needs, including chronic illnesses and brain injuries, and has faced previous allegations of misconduct by staff.
Virginia State Police began investigating the hospital staff in 2017, and Davidow is at least the third former Cumberland staffer to face criminal charges in connection with a patient. The civil case against the hospital, Davidow, and its parent company is set for trial in September, with five plaintiffs seeking justice for alleged sexual abuse and misconduct. Cooley, representing Davidow, listed a substantial number of potential witnesses for the defense, suggesting a robust legal battle ahead. Despite the serious nature of the allegations and legal proceedings, both parties involved declined to comment following Monday’s hearing.
