A former top doctor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, is facing allegations of embezzling nearly $1.5 million from the public hospital to finance an extravagant lifestyle. Dr. Michael Lucchesi, 66, is accused of misusing a business credit card over a period of six years, from December 2016 to January 2023.
According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Lucchesi allegedly used the funds for various personal expenses, including $176,000 for pet care at Greenleaf Pet Resort & Hotel, $109,000 for New York Sports Club membership and personal training, and approximately $115,000 in cash advances. Other alleged expenditures include $52,000 for catering, $46,000 for his children’s tuition payments, as well as purchases of liquor, flowers, and electronics.
Lucchesi, who held several high-ranking positions at SUNY Downstate during his lengthy career, including chairman of emergency medicine and chief medical officer, is now facing charges of grand larceny, falsifying business records, criminal tax fraud, and other criminal counts.
District Attorney Eric Gonzalez expressed shock at the scope of the alleged thefts, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those who exploit taxpayer funds. The case was brought forward through collaboration between the district attorney’s office and the state’s inspector general office, following an audit conducted by SUNY officials that initially uncovered the alleged theft.
Inspector Lucy Lang condemned Lucchesi’s alleged spending spree as an insult to hardworking taxpayers and the medical profession, stating that New Yorkers deserve doctors who uphold their oath with utmost integrity.
While Lucchesi’s lawyer, Earl Ward, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, he maintained that the funds used were not stolen. Ward asserted that there is more to the case than what is presented in the indictment and expressed confidence in revealing the true nature of the situation.
Lucchesi, who retired from the hospital last year after thirty years of service, was arraigned on Tuesday on a nine-count indictment. He was released without bail, and his court date is set for September 25.
