Abuse victim speaks out about what happened to him at Rockefeller University Hospital

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - A Long Island man believes the Rockefeller University Hospital knew one of its doctors was abusing young patients for decades. That man, a former patient of the doctor accused, is still struggling to come to terms with what happened.

Michael Manfre, who asked that Fox 5 not show his face, said reading the letter sent to him by the hospital was very difficult.

"The letter triggered all the memories. I remember fighting with my mom saying, 'I'm not going back there,'" Manfre. "I knew something was wrong."

The letter was sent to all former patients of Dr. Reginald Archibald, who studied childhood growth. Manfre was small for his age. When he was 8, his mother started taking him to see Dr. Archibald, hoping it would help.

"I used to have to stand there, strip naked, palms face forward. I remember him standing there and taking multiple pictures with an old Polaroid, with the film coming out. I was a little kid. I thought it was normal," Manfre said. "I thought he was really trying to help me because I wanted to play sports. How could you rob us of our innocence? How could you take advantage of us? How could you deceive our parents in that you were helping us?"

In the letter, the Rockefeller University Hospital explains the first sexual abuse allegation against Dr. Archibald came in 2004. But it wasn't until more allegations from former patients started pouring in earlier this year when the hospital took action. The hospital reached out to potential victims, including Manfre.

"I believe it's a cover-up. I believe Rockefeller University is covering it all up," Manfre said. "I really do. How did they not know what he was doing?"

When Manfre was about 13, he begged his mother to stop taking him to see Dr. Archibald. She listened.

Now 57, Manfre said justice would be holding Rockefeller University Hospital responsible for not doing anything.

Fox 5 reached out to the district attorney and never heard back.

Dr. Archibald died in 2007.

Manfre said it is up to the victims to keep stepping forward and sharing their experiences.

"It's not your fault. You were 11, 12 years old, 9 years old, 8 years old. It's not my fault," he said. "I don't blame myself. I don't blame myself for not saying anything. I didn't know any better."

The Rockefeller University Hospital is also asking more victims to reach out.