Community Corner

Suit: Plainview Podiatrist, 70, Fondled, Harrassed 22-Year-Old

In legal papers, woman alleges employer was drunk, threatened to rape her, ruined her career. Doctor's lawyer denies charges.

A 70-year-old Plainview podiatrist is accused of sexually harassing a 22-year-old medical assistant and firing her after she rejected his blatant advances, according to legal papers filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights.

Dr. Henry Balboa, whose office is at 100 Manetto Hill Rd., made the sexual overtures March 1 during dinner at Plainview's Deco 1600 at the Race Palace where he had invited her to discuss a raise she had asked for, according to the complaint.

Balboa's lawyer, Peter Moulinos of Manhattan, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as "totally false."

The medical assistant, Katie Chaput, 22, of Levittown, said that Balboa inappropriately touched her on the thigh and propositioned her for sex in exchange for money. The woman pulled the doctor's hand away from her leg, the complaint said.

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Balboa continued his advances: He forcibly kissed her, told her she was beautiful, and that he loved "staring at her body" at work. Balboa, a married grandfather, told Chaput that he was in love with her, according to the court papers. 

Repulsed by the actions, Chaput walked out of the restaurant, the complaint states.

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No criminal charges were filed.

Following the restaurant incident, Chaput claimed that Balboa criticized her work and screamed at her in the presence of other employees and patients. He also threatened to rape her, according to complaint.

Chaput said that, following the incident at the restaurant, Balboa "appeared even more inebriated than usual at the office," and feared for the well-being of the patients, according to court papers.

When she complained to his office manager about her treatment she was fired, according to the complaint, filed June 28 by her lawyers, Leeds Brown Law LLC of Carle Place.

Prior to the March 1 dinner, Chaput said she was asked to do odd jobs for the doctor, including babysitting his grandchildren.

Chaput also alleged that Dr. Balboa "frequently drank alcohol while at work and was often inebriated while seeing patients" and interacting with staff, according to the complaint.

State law prohibits an employer from firing or disciplining an employee for making complaints of sexual harassment.

"She is young and this was her first real job on a path to a career," said David H. Rosenberg, senior associate of Leeds Brown Law P.C., which is representing Chaput. "What happened to her has caused grave damage to her career and she is coming forward to assure that others are not treated in such a manner."

The firm alleges that Balboa violated the New York State Human Rights Law twice through his alleged repeated behavior and by the firing of Ms. Chaput."

Moulinos countered, saying the allegations are "totally false" and that he will be filing a response soon that will refute the charges point by point.

The doctor's lawyer said the original complaint was related to Chaput saying she worked more than 40 hours a week. Moulinos said that his investigation revealed that she had never submitted time cards exceeding 30 hours per week. In addition, Moulinos said Chaput quit her job, and was not fired.

"These are false charges," Moulinos said.

Balboa, according to RateMDs.com, holds a podiatric medicine degree dating to 1968 from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He is affiliated with Syosset Hospital, Forest Hills Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, according to the United Healthcare‘s online provider directory.

The complaint does not seek specific monetary damages.



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