MERIDEN, Conn. — The Chief of Rheumatology at Hartford HealthCare died after being arrested for his involvement in a criminal child sex scheme, the hospital said Wednesday.
Meriden police said Monday that 61-year-old John Magaldi, formerly chief of rheumatology at Hartford HealthCare, was among three people who were charged for their roles in "seeking sexual activity with children," following a joint operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Chief Medical Examiner's office confirmed on Thursday that Magaldi died by suicide from a gunshot wound to the head.
"The news of the arrest and death of Dr. John Magaldi is deeply troubling," a spokesperson for Hartford HealthCare said. "We are ensuring all patients will continue to be cared for, and we are providing support for our colleagues."
The hospital said on Monday that they had placed Magaldi on "administrative leave" and that they were "working to gather information from law enforcement authorities" so that they could "address this situation appropriately."
Magaldi's charges included criminal attempt at risk of injury, sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt - sexual assault in the second degree, criminal attempt/commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and interfering with police.
Wilson Suarez, 28, was charged in the operation with criminal attempt at risk of injury - sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt - sexual assault in the second degree, and criminal attempt/commercial sexual abuse of a minor.
Francisco Carrero, 51, was charged with criminal attempt at risk of injury - sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt - sexual assault in the second degree, and criminal attempt/commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of narcotics.
Both Suarez and Carrero are expected in court on March 22.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
