Judge imposes suspended sentence on physical therapist convicted of assault

NORTHAMPTON – Northampton District Court Judge Jacklyn Connly today sentenced Edward Kostek to a suspended two year jail sentence while on probation after hearing from the victim in the case and supporters of Kostek at a sentencing hearing.
Kostek, 42, of South Hadley, was convicted by a jury Thursday of three counts of indecent assault and battery on a patient in his care for physical therapy treating neck injuries sustained in a car crash in January, 2019. Kostek committed the assaults in his office at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 8 Atwood Drive in Northampton.
In court today, Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Andrew Covington argued for a sentence of 2 1/2 years in the House of Correction followed by two years on probation with conditions that he not work with patients, have no contact with the victim and undergo treatment as advised by a sex offender evaluation.
“The defendant violated his position of trust and care in the worst possible way,” said Covington in court, also noting that the sentencing recommendation is in line with sentencing guidelines for the offenses.
The victim offered a statement to the judge in which she said the assaults impacted her life and her relationship to care providers greatly. “It haunts me daily,” she said in urging a jail sentence.
Northampton defense attorney Thomas Kokonowski argued against jail time, saying his client had no prior record, is the primary breadwinner for his family and that his career is over as the result of his convictions.
In announcing her decision, Judge Connly said there “is no perfect sentence.” She imposed conditions of probation that Kostek have no contact with the victim and undergo sex offender evaluation.
“While we strongly believe a jail sentence was warranted, we respect the judge’s decision on this matter,” said Covington. “We commend the victim in this case for her courage in coming forward and speaking the truth.”
The incidents took place on separate occasions when Kostek inappropriately touched private areas of the victim’s body. After reporting the assaults to Cooley Dickinson authorities, she reported them to the Northampton Police Department which undertook an NPD investigation.