Former physical therapist from South Hadley arraigned on rape charges

By JAMES PENTLAND

Staff Writer

Published: 07-10-2023 5:26 PM

NORTHAMPTON — A former physical therapist from South Hadley pleaded not guilty Monday in Superior Court to two counts of rape following indictments by a grand jury.

Edward Kostek, 42, worked at Cooley Dickinson Hospital Rehabilitation Services for many years before being convicted last September of three counts of indecent assault and battery on a patient in his care. Kostek was sentenced to two years’ probation on one count of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14. For two additional counts, Kostek received a suspended two-year jail sentence that will only be triggered if he violates his probation.

The new charges stem from 2012 and involve one of his former patients. The woman was one of two who came forward with accusations against Kostek in the wake of his September trial and conviction, according to police; the other case fell outside the statute of limitations for indecent assault and battery.

The woman told police that she sought physical therapy after falling on ice and injuring her back. She said Kostek took her to a private room, instructed her to remove all her clothing and inappropriately touched private areas of her body. She stated that she thought perhaps a full body massage was part of her treatment.

At her second appointment, she was again asked to remove her clothes and this time, the woman alleges Kostek touched her private areas inappropriately before proceeding to digitally penetrate her multiple times. She told police it happened without warning and she did not have time to object, according to court documents.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington did not seek bail for Kostek, and Judge Jeremy Bucci released him on conditions that he not leave the state and that he stay away from the alleged victim and two witnesses.

Defense attorney Luke Ryan asserted his client’s innocence of the charges, and said he has filed a motion for a new trial in the previous case.

Covington said prosecutors would “vigorously contest” Ryan’s motion.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Former patients and colleagues packed Kostek’s sentencing hearing to testify to his character and value as a physical therapist, and submitted more than 70 letters on his behalf.

The woman in the original  case also filed a civil suit against Kostek and his former employer, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, seeking $225,000 for assault and battery, negligence and infliction of emotional distress. That suit was settled out of court earlier this year for an undisclosed sum.

]]>