The first-instance trial for Domenico Maiello, the 54-year-old psychologist accused of abusing several women and minors by taking advantage of their emotional fragility, ended with a heavy sentence of ten years and eight months in prison.
The sentence, issued by the Court of Naples North, takes into account the one-third reduction in the sentence provided for by the summary trial chosen by the defendant, currently under house arrest.
The fake innovative method
The investigation uncovered a systematic scheme of manipulation: Maiello, with an office in Casoria, convinced his victims to submit to sexual intercourse by passing it off as cutting-edge psychological methodologies.
Thanks to intense psychological pressure, the man had managed to create a wall of silence surrounding his behavior, preventing patients from reporting it for years. The veil was only lifted in May 2025, when one of the victims found the strength to turn to law enforcement, launching the investigation.
The evidence of the Police Station
The investigation, conducted by officers from the Afragola Police Station, relied on crucial technological tools. Bugs and hidden cameras installed inside the professional office documented what investigators described as "chilling" scenes.
The footage confirmed the non-therapeutic, but purely violent and abusive, nature of the meetings, leading to the professional's arrest in June last year.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a series of very harsh additional penalties on Maiello. He was sentenced to perpetual disqualification from holding public office and from any guardianship or support administration role.
For five years after serving his sentence, the psychologist will be subject to severe restrictions on his freedom of movement: he will not be able to approach places frequented by minors, he will not be able to work with children, and he will be required to report all his movements to the authorities.
Compensation for civil parties
The ruling also provides for damages to be awarded to the civil parties in the case, the amount of which will be determined in the civil court. Meanwhile, Maiello has been ordered to pay legal fees immediately. His suspension from practicing law and from all school activities remains in place, for the protection of public safety.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
It's incredible how someone who was supposed to help improve the lives of others could commit such serious acts. Justice must always prevail, and I hope this sentence serves as a warning to all other professionals.