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Manhattan DA says attorney raped, electro-shocked, tortured women in his apartment
By
Samir Ferdowsi
Published Apr 24, 2025
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Courtesy of the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
By
Samir Ferdowsi
Published Apr 24, 2025
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Manhattan authorities said an attorney raped, assaulted and methodically humiliated six women over five months in his Midtown apartment — at times using shock collars and electric cattle prods to torture them and recording the abuse with cameras throughout his home.
An indictment announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Thursday charged Ryan Hemphill, 43, with 116 counts for alleged offenses including rape, predatory sexual assault and facilitating a sex offense with a controlled substance. It alleged Hemphill drugged the women either by force or by tricking them into taking substances. It also said the women were unconscious or seriously impaired.
“The details in this case are beyond disturbing — a sustained, calculated campaign of violence and cruelty that targeted vulnerable women,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said in a statement from Bragg’s office. “This kind of predatory abuse has no place in our city and will be met with the full force of the law.”
In addition to torturing women with electricity, the DA said Hemphill threatened women with guns and knives. He’s also accused of coercing the women by threatening them with legal repercussions.
Bragg cited text messages he said were from Hemphill’s phone, including messages in which he told one woman, “I’m leaving here in five minutes if you’re not here I’m gonna f–ing unleash federal hell on you,” and, “You’re gonna wish you were f–ing dead.”
In another set of messages Bragg cited, Hemphill told a woman that he knew “half the precinct.”
“Did you not notice all the police business cards on my f–ing coffee table?” the message read.
After one woman approached authorities, authorities said, Hemphill attempted to bribe her $2,000 to drop the complaint.
Authorities said the assaults occurred over several months, starting in October of last year.
Hemphill was arrested on March 1.
Bragg said police found hundreds of bullets and high-capacity magazines. They also found a slew of substances like heroin and cocaine, Bragg said.
The DA also said Hemphill would punch and slap the women, and in some cases, handcuff them or urinate on them. Officials said one woman was tied to a bed for hours after begging to be let go.
Bragg said Hemphill also forced women to tell him about previous sexual trauma and reenact the situations with them.
Bragg said authorities have reason to believe there may be other survivors and he urged any to to call the Special Victims Division at 212-335-3400.
“Our talented prosecutors and investigators, as well as our specially trained counselors, are here to support you, no matter how powerful the person who assaulted you may seem,” Bragg said.
A trial date has not yet been set. An attorney for Hemphill declined comment.
Tagged
public safety
manhattan
Samir Ferdowsi
Samir is a day-of reporter on the general assignment and breaking news desk. Previously Samir was a reporter, host and producer at VICE News.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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