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Judge’s Decision to Acquit Accused Oral Surgeon of Sexual Assault on 17 Patients Not a Dream a Nightmare A Pittsburgh, PA Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge acquits an oral surgeon of sexual assaults on 17 patients in a nonjury trail concluding the use of “Propofol’  rendered their testimony not credible was the crux of a devastating verdict for the  victims and family members. The defense was able to convince the judge the women were ‘dreaming they were being sexually abused as a side-effect of the anesthesia they were given during the time the alleged assaults took place. Indeed the women and a room full of spectators were not dreaming when the judge rendered the verdict; it was a nightmare; no amount of anesthesia will take away the pain and shock of what many believe was a miscarriage of justice. Outrageous and egregious are the sentiments of many regarding yesterday’s verdict by PA, Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Mariani; acquitted oral surgeon Dr. Boyda of all charges of sexually molesting his patients because, in his eyes, the weight of 17 accusations stacked atop each other was not enough to overcome their flaws according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. (I urge you to please read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette story below and view the links; the judge’s ruling is impart and perhaps mainly based on the use of the drug ‘Propofol’ Many are aware ‘Propofol’ was possibly the fatal drug that may have killed or played a part in Michael Jackson’s untimely death; its use and misuse has been brought to light due to the in depth coverage of Michael Jackson’s death. Please consider the following after reviewing this news story as the verdict has outraged many members of the community and victims rights groups: More than 17 women have accused this physician of molestation, sexual abuse and assault, one a 13 year old girl. The physician faced charges including assault, corruption of minors and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse The defense claims and the judge agreed the testimony of the victims lack credibility because they were under the influence of the drug Propofol (As you review this story consider the following, based on this conclusion: if Propofol can cause more than 17 women which has been known in rare cases to cause sexual hallucinations and memory loss according to the defense’s case and The PPG news story then the use of Propofol becomes even more problematic (17 women all given the same drug administered by the same physician were dismissed as having memory loss and hallucinating they were being sexually violated?) If this is the case than from an epidemiologic standpoint this drug should be at the very least further investigated or taken off the market. Too if this drug when administered properly by skillful and ethical hands could cause such emotional trauma, the drug needs to come with a ‘black box warning’ and patients should be warned of such side effects. But for the thousands of patients who receive this short acting sedation everyday when undergoing medical procedures there are no indications that such a warning is necessary; perhaps further investigation can get to the ‘root of this serious matter’ which may come to pass as some victims are considering filing a civil action. How many other reported cases of sexual violations have been made by patients across this nation given the drug; or has ‘Propofol’ become a drug of choice abused by predators-a disheartening and disturbing thought? If more than 17 women have made such claims against one practice- one practitioner either the side-effects are not rare or is the doctor a predator; the questions loom in the minds of many despite the surgeon’s acquittal. It’s scary to cogitate that one could be so sinister a predator that they may have been so premeditated in understanding the drugs side-effects that the defense was already in place before such alleged crimes could  be committed. The reality is that predators take advantage of the most vulnerable; they are too selective when choosing their prey, they are too premeditate, and predators too will continue to prey; over a lifetime it’s not unusual for an individual sexual predator to victimize hundreds over a lifetime. On a daily basis there are no shortages of reports and headlines of child sexual abuse and sexual assaults against children/teens and women. Too sexual predators are not monster like looking figures, unsavory looking trench coat wearing freaks that approach unsuspecting victims springing out of dark allies; they could be neighbors, family members, pastors, doctors, teachers, coaches; predators come from all walks of life and work in many professional disciplines.  The popular consensus shared by many is these women are victims; many believing of sexual assault, a miscarriage of justice and/or these women have too suffered traumatic emotional side-effects of this short-acting drug; all are possibilities. Many survivors of abuse feel great empathy towards the accuser/victims; what is bizarre is that many throughout society remain in denial about the prevalence and epidemic of sexual abuse and the life-long impact on its victims; the social and monetary cost on society is staggering. The 17 plus women who came forward should be commended for their courage; regardless of the decision the truth will prevail and is emancipating; continue to fight ‘tooth and nail’ for justice. Time heals all wounds and wounds all heels.  If there is any good to come from this trail do not let the loudest silence prevail; anyone and everyone who may become a victim or is aware of a person being sexually abused notify the authorities immediately; seek a safe heaven and contact the police. Too those who underestimate the discretionary power a judge has in making life altering decisions which effect and impact of all society exercise your right to vote; do your research on judicial candidates; past rulings, values, personal biases, character and experience. http://kdka.com/kdkainvestigators/Dentist.Robert.Boyda.2.631391.html http://kdka.com/local/Robert.Boyda.trial.2.999555.html http://kdka.com/local/Alleged.boyda.victim.2.1077995.html http://kdka.com/local/Boyda.Mariani.death.2.1078678.html http://post-gazette.com/pg/09159/975946-455.stm Ju