Former Massachusetts Doctor Derrick Todd Indicted on Rape Charges Amid Widespread Allegations

Dr. Todd involved in criminal case and lawsuit over alleged medical misconduct faces increasing scrutiny.

Boston, Massachusetts – Former Doctor Indicted on Rape Charges Amid Allegations of Patient Abuse

Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist in Massachusetts, has been indicted on two counts of rape in connection with alleged sexual assaults on two female patients. The charges are part of a growing criminal case that comes alongside a class-action lawsuit involving more than 200 patients who accuse Todd of sexually assaulting them under the guise of medical care.

Details of the Indictment

The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that a grand jury indicted Todd on two counts of rape for alleged assaults that occurred in December 2022 and June 2023. The charges were announced on January 16, 2025.

During his arraignment the following day, Todd pleaded not guilty. He was released on $10,000 bail under several conditions, including surrendering his passport, relinquishing all medical licenses, and agreeing not to have any contact with the alleged victims or practice medicine.

A History of Alleged Misconduct

The allegations against Todd span more than a decade, dating back to 2010. His accusers range in age from teenagers to women in their 60s. Many claim that Todd conducted unnecessary and inappropriate pelvic, breast, and rectal exams under the pretense of providing medical care.

The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2023, alleges that Todd “breached his duty of care” by performing invasive bodily examinations unrelated to his specialty as a rheumatologist, which focuses on joint, muscle, and bone conditions.

Andrew Meyer, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, described the allegations as consistent and troubling. “All of their statements are rather incriminating regarding Dr. Todd’s conduct,” Meyer said. “These exams should never have involved breast or vaginal examinations.”

Hospital Investigation and Fallout

Todd’s alleged misconduct has also raised questions about the institutions that employed him. During much of his medical career, Todd worked at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where he held the position of Chief of Clinical Rheumatology at the hospital’s Faulkner campus.

The hospital confirmed that Todd had been the subject of investigations by both its internal review board and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. As a result, he was suspended before ultimately stepping away from his role.

In a statement released when the lawsuit was filed, Brigham and Women’s Hospital expressed support for the ongoing investigations, noting their commitment to patient safety and accountability.

Class-Action Lawsuit and Ongoing Investigations

In addition to the criminal charges, Todd faces a class-action lawsuit brought by more than 200 former patients. William Thompson, an attorney with Lubin & Meyer, the Boston law firm representing many of the women, said the criminal charges validate the civil claims being pursued.

“This is just the beginning of the criminal case against Dr. Todd,” Thompson said. “But it does help to validate the civil claims of so many of his former patients who trusted him.”

Thompson emphasized that the case is ultimately about a doctor abusing his position of trust. “Fundamentally, this is about a physician who used his medical authority to exploit patients for his own personal gratification,” he said.

Todd’s Defense

Todd’s attorney, Ingrid Martin, has maintained his innocence. Speaking outside the courthouse after his arraignment, Martin told reporters, “We look forward to receiving the evidence and challenging it in court.”

As the investigations continue, Todd’s accusers hope for justice and accountability for the harm they say he caused.

A Systemic Issue

The allegations against Todd highlight systemic challenges in identifying and addressing medical misconduct. Many of the women who came forward say they were hesitant to report the abuse, believing they had no choice but to trust their doctor.

Healthcare advocates have pointed to the case as a reminder of the need for stronger safeguards to protect patients and stricter oversight within the medical profession.

What’s Next?

The criminal case against Todd is expected to expand as additional investigations are conducted into his past conduct. Meanwhile, the class-action lawsuit will continue to move forward, with many of his accusers seeking not only financial compensation but also broader changes to the medical system to prevent future abuse.

Seeking Justice and Support

The case against Derrick Todd has left hundreds of women grappling with the emotional and physical aftermath of their alleged abuse. Their courage in coming forward serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable, no matter their position of authority.