A New Hyde Park oncologist was arrested on Thursday, charged with what police described as “unwanted sexual contact” with a female patient during what was supposed to be a routine appointment last May.
Nassau County police said an investigation by Special Victims Squad detectives led to the arrest of Dr. Mark Hoffman, 72, of Roslyn, charging him in connection with the incident, which police said took place at Optum Hematology Oncology on Marcus Avenue in New Hyde Park on May 9.
The victim, identified only as a 48-year-old woman, had gone to the clinic for “a routine oncology appointment” and found herself “alone in the exam room without the presence of a nurse,” according to the police. At that time, the victim told police she was subjected to unspecified unwanted sexual contact.
A spokesperson for Optum Hematology told Newsday on Thursday afternoon: “We can confirm Dr. Mark Hoffman has not been employed with Optum Medical Care since summer 2025.”
Hoffman was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and forcible touching. He pleaded not guilty at arraignment on Thursday at First District Court in Hempstead. Bail was set at $10,000 cash, $20,000 insured bond or $50,000 partially secured surety bond.
Hoffman’s attorney, Amy Beth Marion of New Hyde Park, did not immediately return Newsday’s requests for comment on Thursday evening.
Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS — or to call Special Victims Squad detectives at 516-573-4022. All calls will remain confidential.
Newsday’s Nicholas Grasso contributed to this story.
John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee’pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.