Following reports former Los Angeles-based Keck School of Medicine of USC Dean Carmen Puliafito, MD, led a "double life," The Los Angeles Times published photographs of him Aug. 31 allegedly misusing drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Anonymous sources allegedly allowed The Los Angeles Times to review, but not publish, "many" photos and videos of Dr. Puliafito prior to the publication's initial report about his alleged misbehavior in July. Recently, those sources gave the publication their permission to publish some of the videos and photos, the report states.
The photos, taken between 2015 and 2016, allegedly depict Dr. Puliafito and his acquaintances during the final year of his tenure as dean and after his resignation. In one photo, Dr. Puliafito appears to be holding a glass pipe, according to the report.
Several photos also maintain a clear connection to USC. In a series of photos reportedly taken in September 2015, one of Dr. Puliafito's acquaintances poses in the former dean's white lab coat. Dr. Puliafito was not shown in the photos.
A private investigator working on behalf of USC allegedly contacted one of Dr. Puliafito's former acquaintances "in an effort to obtain pictures and videos of the former dean," the report states. A representative from USC confirmed the private investigator's work to The Los Angeles Times.
Debra Yang, who the university hired in July to spearhead the investigation, said obtaining first-hand evidence constitutes a necessary step in USC's investigation of the incident.
"It is critical that we evaluate all relevant facts and information to guide and inform our review and recommendations to the university," Ms. Yang said in a statement.
The university's efforts to track down photos and videos of Dr. Puliafito's alleged misbehavior come after it removed all mentions of the former dean from USC's website and social media, according to the report.
To read the full report, click here.