A UConn lab manager was recently convicted of assaulting a developmentally disabled woman in Massachusetts.
Marcus Giotto, 51, is the lab manager at UConn’s Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Lab, a position he’s held since 2008. He joined the lab as a postdoctoral student in 2006.
On February 6 a jury in Middlesex County in Massachusetts convicted Giotto of two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person with an intellectual disability. Each charge can render a sentence of up to five years, and also requires Giotto to register as a sex offender. He’ll be sentenced on March 2.
According to MetroWest Daily News, Giotto knew the 24-year-old woman that he’s convicted of assaulting from the spring of 2012 through the summer of 2013, though it’s unclear in what capacity they were acquainted. The paper says Giotto pleaded not guilty to the charges on October 10, 2013.
The university released a statement saying that Giotto is on administrative leave; according to Connecticut’s government transparency website, Giotto earned a salary $74,538.78 in 2014.
Here’s the full statement from UConn:
In accordance with University policies, UConn has placed Mr. Giotto on administrative leave pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings that have been initiated in accordance with the terms of his collective bargaining agreement.
UConn has been advised by legal counsel that it not discuss further details at this time in order to protect the integrity of the personnel actions, any criminal appeal proceedings that may occur, and the individuals involved.
