MERIDEN, Conn. — The chief of rheumatology at Hartford Healthcare was among the three men arrested for their alleged roles in a child sex abuse operation in Meriden, the Meriden Police Department reported on Monday.
A collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the police department resulted in the arrests of 61-year-old John Magaldi, Wilson Suarez, 28, and Francisco Carrero, 51.
A spokesperson at Hartford Healthcare confirmed to FOX61 that Magaldi is the chief of rheumatology at the hospital.
"We are troubled to learn of the arrest and we take these allegations seriously," the spokesperson said in a statement. "With safety as a core value, we have placed Dr. John Magaldi on administrative leave, and we are working to gather information from law enforcement authorities so that we can address this situation appropriately."
The FBI and Meriden police conducted a joint investigation this month to enhance the societal safety of children, police said, adding that law enforcement is dedicated to protecting children from sexual exploitation.
“The members of the Special Crimes Unit of the Meriden Police Department devoted significant time to working with partnering agencies on this operation,” the police department said in a release on Monday morning.
Meriden police acknowledged the efforts of the FBI and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, noting that both partnerships were critical to the implementation and success of the operation.
“Internally, the operation was assisted by members of the Crime Suppression Unit, Major Crimes Unit, the Neighborhood Initiative Unit, and the Police Service Technicians,” Meriden police said.
Suarez was charged with criminal attempt at risk of injury, sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt of sexual assault in the second degree, and criminal attempt/commercial sexual abuse of a minor. His bond was set at $250,000.
Carrero was charged with criminal attempt at risk of injury, sexual contact victim under 16, possession of narcotics and criminal attempt/commercial sexual abuse of a minor. His bond was set at $250,000.
Magaldi was charged with criminal attempt at risk of injury, sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt at sexual assault in the second degree, criminal attempt/commercial sexual abuse of a minor and interfering with police. His bond was set at $350,000.
All three men will appear in court on March 22.
The police department said it is devoted to fully investigating any allegations of sexual abuse or juvenile or adult victims.
“We have a network of partner agencies that can facilitate providing services while also working towards enforcement when appropriate,” police said.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@fox61.com.
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