November 9, 2018
Delmar, NY – NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Executive Director Denise M. Miranda announced today that additional charges have been filed against Dr. Mark Jackson.
Jackson has been arrested on the following additional charges:
- Three counts of rape in the third degree, a Class E Felony;
- Three counts of criminal sexual act, a Class E Felony;
- One count of sexual abuse in the third degree, a Class A Misdemeanor;
- One count of forcible touching, a Class A Misdemeanor
Jackson was originally arrested in August of 2018. At the time, he was accused of sexually abusing a female patient. Press coverage of that arrest resulted in two additional female patients coming forward. These most recent charges stem from incidents occurring in 2016 and 2017 at the Starting Point Clinic in New York City and Highbridge Clinic in the Bronx. Any additional victims are encouraged to come forward and make a report of their abuse.
“Doctors who sexually abuse patients violate their trust and can cause incalculable harm,” said Special Prosecutor Rachel Dunn. “We have zero tolerance for anyone who uses their position to prey on vulnerable people.”
The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Honorable Cyrus R. Vance, Manhattan District Attorney.
“Patients place a unique trust in their medical practitioners to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and care,” said District Attorney Vance. “Having attended to numerous patients over the course of his three years at this clinic, many of whom were grappling with a substance use disorder, there is reason to believe there may be additional survivors of Mark Jackson’s alleged conduct. If you have been a victim of this abuse, I urge you to call our Sex Crimes Unit at 212-335-9373.”
About the Justice Center
The Justice Center has statutory authority to investigate and prosecute crimes against vulnerable New Yorkers. The agency also assists other law enforcement agencies – such as the New York State Police, local police departments, and district attorneys – with their investigations that involve abuse or neglect of people with special needs.
In addition to its law enforcement authority, the Justice Center is also empowered to pursue administrative actions against staff found responsible for misconduct. Workers found responsible for the most egregious conduct are permanently barred from employment at facilities serving vulnerable populations under the Justice Center’s jurisdiction.
The Justice Center operates a statewide, toll-free hotline for people reporting allegations of abuse, neglect, and significant incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To report incidents of abuse and neglect call 1-855-373-2122.
Editor’s note: In compliance with Disciplinary Rule 7-107A of the Code of Professional Responsibility, you are advised that a charge is an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.