NEW YORK – Ryan Hemphill, a 43-year-old attorney from New York City, has been indicted on a staggering 116 counts, including predatory sexual assault. The charges stem from allegations that he assaulted six women over a five-month period in what prosecutors describe as a campaign of “grotesque sexual violence” within his Manhattan apartment.

Details of the Allegations

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Hemphill’s apartment was reportedly equipped with surveillance equipment and transformed into a scene of extreme abuse. Prosecutors assert that he engaged in horrific acts including physical assault, using shock devices, and coercing victims into ingesting substances that incapacitated them.

Nature of the Assaults

• Punching and striking victims.
• Waterboarding and electric shock with a cattle prod.
• Holding one victim captive in restraints for hours.
• Filming assaults as trophies of his acts.

The indictment covers incidents that allegedly took place dating back to October of the previous year, with the attorney maintaining a plea of not guilty during court proceedings.

Background and Previous Legal Issues

Hemphill remains incarcerated following his arrest last month and has been previously acquitted in a 2015 case involving allegations of choking his ex-girlfriend with a knife, where he attributed his actions to sexual preferences.

Prosecutorial Statements

Assistant District Attorney Mirah Curzer expressed concerns that the six known victims might only represent a fraction of Hemphill’s potential misconduct, suggesting that further investigations could uncover more victims. She stated:

“We have reason to believe these six victims are only the tip of the iceberg.”

Victim Encounters and Manipulation Tactics

According to prosecutors, Hemphill met the women through various online platforms, including those aimed at facilitating “sugar daddy” arrangements. He offered significant sums of money for companionship, only to later deceive some victims regarding payments.

He reportedly exploited the victims’ past traumas, convincing them to share their personal histories, which he then reenacted during the assaults. This manipulation, alongside physical coercion, has been cited as a primary means by which he exerted control over the victims.

Judicial Proceedings and Bail Denial

During a recent court appearance, Hemphill appeared in a jail outfit and refrained from commenting beyond his plea. Judge Ann E. Scherzer ruled that Hemphill would remain in custody without bail, highlighting fears that his financial status and legal connections could enable him to evade prosecution.

Concerns regarding witness tampering were also raised, as Hemphill allegedly threatened to leverage his connections against victims to silence them from coming forward.

Conclusion

This case sheds light on issues of sexual violence and the significant challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice. Hemphill’s trial is expected to garner widespread attention as the prosecution seeks to hold him accountable for his alleged crimes.