A Romanian dentist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drugging and assaulting beauty influencer Stefania Costache, sparking public outrage. The court also hinted that the convicted dentist may have committed similar crimes against other women, further deepening the gravity of the case.
Dentist Convicted of Drugging and Assaulting Beauty Influencer
The convicted dentist, Costin Iulian Berechet, was found guilty of assaulting the famous beauty influencer under the guise of providing free dental treatment. Stefania Costache, the victim, bravely came forward with her story and stated that the justice system had finally served its purpose. In a public statement on her Instagram account, she expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout the process and encouraged other victims to seek justice.
The incident took place in 2020, when Berechet allegedly offered free dental care to Costache. During her treatment, he administered an unknown substance, leaving her incapacitated. The influencer, well-known for her presence on social media, detailed her harrowing experience of being drugged and assaulted.
Unconscious and Vulnerable During Treatment
Costache described in court how Berechet applied a suspicious substance during her dental procedure. The substance, which had a “vinegar-like taste,” caused her to lose consciousness. She later found herself in an even more vulnerable position when Berechet transported her to his home, taking advantage of her incapacitated state.
Upon waking, she had no recollection of the events that transpired after the procedure. It was only after her friends intervened and noticed her unusual condition that she realised something was terribly wrong. “A friend told me what happened because I remembered nothing,” Costache revealed in a statement. This prompted her to seek medical attention and report the incident to the authorities.
Dentist Denies Accusations, but Evidence Speaks Otherwise
Berechet, however, denied all allegations, maintaining that he had only administered a local anaesthetic and assisted Costache due to her discomfort. He claimed that his only intent was to ensure her well-being. Despite his assertions, damning CCTV footage showed the influencer unconscious and in a highly vulnerable state within the dentist’s office, providing irrefutable evidence against him.
10-Year Prison Sentence and Damages Awarded
Following a thorough investigation, the Bucharest First District Court sentenced Berechet to 10 years in prison for sexual assault and unlawful deprivation of liberty. In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered Berechet to pay €50,000 (approximately 2 million Turkish Lira) in damages to Costache. The ruling sent a strong message that such heinous crimes would not go unpunished in Romania.
Other Potential Victims Come Forward
The case does not end here. According to Costache’s lawyer, Adrian Cuculis, several other women have made similar accusations against the dentist. However, their claims were previously dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The recent conviction may now encourage these women to revisit their cases, potentially leading to further charges against Berechet.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that some individuals face when in the care of professionals. It highlights the importance of survivors speaking out and the justice system taking swift action to protect and uphold the rights of victims.
