Ronkonkoma chiropractor charged with sexually abusing teen patient, police say

A 16-year-old girl being treated for back pain was “forcibly” touched on her breasts by a chiropractor, who was arrested Tuesday evening, Suffolk police said.

Dr. Ronald Bernardini, 64, of Smithtown was charged with sexual abuse, a misdemeanor that carries a top sentence of 1 year, and endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

Bernardini declined to comment Wednesday.

Police said in a statement that Bernardini, at his practice, Lake Chiropractic, in Ronkonkoma, was "examining a 16-year-old female patient for back pain when he forcibly touched her breasts at approximately 6:15 p.m. on October 24.”

The teenager told her parents and a police report was filed; the chiropractor was arrested at his office at about 7:35 p.m. on Oct. 25, according to police.

Bernardini's arraignment in Central Islip is set for Nov. 14.

With John Asbury