Palermo, Sept. 10 (LaPresse) – Police have suspended for one year Dr. Giuseppe Reina, 63, who is under investigation for sexual assault. The precautionary measure was ordered by the preliminary investigations judge (GIP) of the Catania court. Reina, formerly head physician at the hospital in Paternò, near Catania, is strongly suspected of committing aggravated sexual violence against a female surgeon, exploiting his superior position.
Investigators accuse him of several episodes between 2018 and 2024 in which he allegedly sought sexual favors from female staff within the public hospital. The investigation revealed repeated sexual acts, allegedly committed by abusing his authority and leveraging the victims’ fear of professional retaliation. Although multiple episodes are under investigation — supported by video recordings, wiretaps, and witness statements — the GIP has found strong evidence for one specific incident.
According to the findings, the incident occurred at the workplace during service shifts and was captured on surveillance footage. The judge found serious indications that Reina, while performing his duties, took advantage of a subordinate colleague's vulnerable position to subject her to sexual acts. He allegedly groped her during patient visits, making rapid gestures and unwanted advances, which made it difficult for the victim to resist, defend herself, or express dissent.