Joel Le Scouarnec admitted the charges in March after diaries cataloguing the abuse were found.
Judge Burési said the court had also taken into account that he had especially sought out unwell, vulnerable and sedated victims.
Le Scouarnec is already in jail after being sentenced in 2020 to 15 years for raping and sexually assaulting four children, including two of his nieces.
Tap the link in @BBCNews‘s bio to read what the court had to say.
(📷 Reuters, EPA)
A former pediatric surgeon has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting to the systematic sexual abuse of hundreds of patients—most of them children—over a period spanning 25 years. The sentencing, delivered by a federal court on Tuesday, marks one of the most extensive cases of medical abuse in recent history, sending shockwaves through the healthcare system and prompting widespread calls for institutional reform.
The convicted surgeon, Dr. Steven Langford, now 68, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault, indecent conduct, and abuse of power while employed at several major hospitals in three states. Prosecutors said Langford used his trusted position to target vulnerable patients, many of whom were undergoing treatment for serious or chronic illnesses.
“This is a deeply disturbing case of prolonged and predatory abuse carried out under the guise of medical care,” said U.S. Attorney Rachel Maldonado in a press statement following the sentencing. “Dr. Langford exploited his authority and the trust placed in him by families for his own gratification. His actions have left a trail of trauma that spans decades.”
Years of Abuse Hidden Behind a Medical Career
Court documents reveal that Langford began his medical career in the late 1980s and worked at various children’s hospitals, including prestigious institutions in New York, Illinois, and Florida. Over the years, suspicions had occasionally been raised about his conduct, including complaints from nurses, parents, and even colleagues. However, most of those allegations were dismissed or quietly settled, and he was often allowed to resign and move on to other positions.
According to investigators, Langford often chose his victims from among his youngest and most vulnerable patients—some as young as five years old. He took advantage of their limited ability to articulate or report what was happening, often isolating them during examinations or recovery periods and performing unnecessary or unauthorized procedures under the pretense of medical necessity.
The abuse only came to light in 2019, when a now-adult former patient came forward to file a formal complaint. Her testimony led to a broader investigation, which eventually uncovered over 300 alleged victims, supported by medical records, hidden video footage, and recovered journals written by Langford himself.
The Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, prosecutors presented chilling evidence, including video recordings made without consent, handwritten notes documenting some of the abuse, and testimony from more than 40 survivors. Many of the victims spoke through tears as they described years of confusion, trauma, and distrust that followed their encounters with the doctor they had once believed was helping them.
One survivor, now 32, testified: “He told me everything he did was part of my treatment. I was eight years old. I didn’t know I could say no. I carried shame and confusion for most of my life, thinking something was wrong with me.”
Langford remained largely emotionless during the proceedings but did offer a brief apology at sentencing. “I know I’ve caused irreparable harm. I don’t ask for forgiveness, only that the victims find some form of peace,” he said.
The judge, U.S. District Court Judge Meredith Allen, rejected a plea for leniency from Langford’s defense team, which cited his age, health issues, and apparent willingness to confess. “The court cannot and will not overlook the magnitude and cruelty of these crimes,” she said. “You violated the bodies and lives of children under the pretense of healing. Your sentence reflects the gravity of that betrayal.”
Institutional Failures and Calls for Reform
The case has sparked a nationwide debate about institutional responsibility and medical oversight. Several hospitals where Langford worked have come under intense scrutiny for failing to report suspicious behavior or adequately respond to complaints. Some administrators admitted that concerns had been raised but were either not taken seriously or dealt with quietly to avoid legal and reputational risks.
“This case exposes a catastrophic failure in the systems designed to protect patients—especially children—from abuse,” said Dr. Lillian Marsh, a pediatric ethics expert. “We need comprehensive reform, from mandatory reporting laws to independent oversight bodies with the authority to investigate and act.”
Several hospitals have issued public apologies and launched internal reviews. The American Medical Association has called for stronger ethics enforcement and whistleblower protections within the profession.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups are pushing for legislation to improve accountability and transparency in healthcare settings. “We must ensure this never happens again,” said Maria Torres, director of Survivors United, a nonprofit advocating for victims of institutional abuse. “We owe it to the children who were hurt—and to those who were silenced for so long.”
A Long Road to Healing
Though the trial has ended, the journey to justice and healing for the victims continues. Many have expressed a mix of relief and lingering pain. Civil lawsuits are now being filed against the institutions involved, with several survivors seeking compensation and systemic changes.
Therapists and victim support organizations are offering free services to anyone affected by Langford’s abuse. Still, many survivors say the psychological impact may last a lifetime.
“He took more than my innocence,” said one survivor. “He stole my trust, my childhood, my ability to feel safe. But today, I feel seen. I feel heard. And that’s a start.”
