Metro Police Sex Crimes detectives are investigating whether Dr. Settimio “Sam” Castellani, a Nashville psychiatrist arrested Thursday for the alleged rape of a 36-year-old female patient, has committed sex offenses against any other persons under his care.
Castellani, 67, of Winston Drive in Brentwood, was taken into custody Thursday at his 500 Lentz Road office in Medical Dental Village in Madison.
He is charged with one count of rape for allegedly forcing the patient to perform a sex act on him in order to receive her prescription for medication.
The investigation of the March 23 alleged incident began May 27, when the victim came to police headquarters and reported the matter to Sex Crimes detectives. She said that her appointment on March 23 was changed from mid-afternoon to 6 p.m. She said during the appointment, Castellani wrote out her prescription, placed it on his desk, and then proceeded to expose himself to the victim. The victim said she feared not receiving the prescription, and potential bodily harm, if she did not take part in the sex act.
During the investigation, detectives developed corroborating evidence that the alleged incident occurred, and received information that Castellani may have had sexual contact with other female patients.
Anyone with information about inappropriate/illegal activities on the part of Castellani is urged to contact the police department’s Sex Crimes Unit at 862-7540, where specially trained detectives and counselors are available to assist victims.
Castellani is free on $74,999 bail.