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October 08, 2004
Riback sentenced for sexual abuse
By: Jessica Schneider -- capitalnews9.com
As parents recounted the horror they and their children have experienced, Dr. Phillip Riback sat motionless. One by one, parents went to the witness stand to tell Judge Stephen Herrick about their pain.
One parent said, "You have done things that none of these children should've ever heard of or have done to them. You have left my son with shame, and you have taken his complete innocence. You have left me full of guilt for the rest of my life."
Riback was a pediatric specialist with the Upstate Neurology Consulting Group. He was convicted in June on 28 of the 30 counts against him. Riback was found guilty on charges ranging from sexual abuse to endangering the welfare of a child. At his sentencing, the Colonie doctor pleaded for leniency and understanding from the court.
Riback said, "I would like to offer my extreme sorrow, and regret and remorse for any actions which I have performed which have been misconstrued as being sexual, aggressive or violent in nature. That has always been the farthest thing from my intent."
But after listening to the parents of the 12 young victims describe how their children had been permanently traumatized, Judge Herrick refused to give Riback any less than the maximum.
Judge Herrick said, "You are Phillip Riback, however, I think in the truest sense of the word, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
Riback was led away to face 40 years in prison and five years probation.
Albany County District Attorney Paul Clyne said, "The sentence is thoroughly appropriate. This case was a terrible case. Obviously for the individual victims, it was a traumatic, terrible series of events."
But Riback's family still insists he is an upstanding doctor who was wrongly accused.
Father Arnold Riback said, "As a pediatric neurologist, he saved a tremendous number of lives. He has helped many people live a good life. I think in the future he'll be exonerated."
The victims' parents said they are pleased with the sentence, but that nothing can truly fix their damaged lives.
Posted by Nealus at October 8, 2004 01:14 PM
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