Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau announced today the arrest of a Manhattan attorney on charges of sexually abusing two attorneys.

The attorney, RICHARD DIENST, surrendered earlier this morning.  He will be arraigned in New York City Criminal Court today on charges of Forcible Touching, Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree and Harassment in the Second Degree.

According to the complaint, on March 21, 2008, DIENST sexually abused a female attorney in his law office at 233 Broadway.  The complaint also charges that on June 22, 2007, DIENST sexually abused a second female attorney, again in his office.

The investigation began after the March victim reported the incident to law enforcement.

Assistant District Attorney Abigail Kweskin, who is assigned to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Unit, is in charge of the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Lisa Friel, Chief of the Sex Crimes Unit.  Investigator Edward Tacchi also assisted in this matter.

Forcible Touching is a class A misdemeanor, Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree is a class B misdemeanor and Harassment in the Second Degree is a violation.  Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail.

Defendant Info

RICHARD DIENST, 9/6/39
375 South End Avenue
New York, New York

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