A Long Island pediatrician is facing child pornography charges after his arrest Friday morning.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice says Dr. Rakesh Punn, 52, had young girls undress under the guise of medical examinations and then secretly videotaped them at his office in Bethpage. Punn is accused of recording at least five women and girls as young as 11 since 2007. Punn allegedly recorded the girls after covering their eyes or by hiding the camera among objects on his desk.
Authorities say they also found a forged international driver's license and a large amount of cash in Punn's house.
"He victimized these trusting, young girls in the worse way imaginable," Rice said. "The long term damage he has caused to untold numbers of patients is still yet to be seen. This is a horrifying case of betrayal by a medical professional."
Defense attorney Nicholas Marino denied the allegations.
Punn is charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child, possession of a sexual performance by a child, possession of a forged instrument, and unlawful surveillance. He faces up to seven years in prison per victim if convicted.
