Massachusetts Court Affirmed Convictions of Edward Kostek
The Appeals Court rejected the defendant's request for a new trial following his 2022 convictions for indecent assault.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Sex Crimes
The Massachusetts Appeals Court has unanimously affirmed the convictions of Edward Kostek, who was found guilty of three felony counts of indecent assault and battery. The court also denied his motions for a new trial and reconsideration.
Why it matters
The ruling settles legal challenges brought by the defendant regarding the admission of evidence and the performance of his legal counsel during his original 2022 trial. These proceedings stem from incidents occurring during physical therapy sessions at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
Edward Kostek was convicted on 3 felony counts of indecent assault and battery, for which he served a 2-year probation sentence. The case is now closed after the Appeals Court denied his motions for a new trial.
The players
Edward Kostek
He is a 46-year-old former physical therapist from South Hadley who was convicted of indecent assault and battery.
Massachusetts Appeals Court
It is an intermediate appellate court that hears appeals of decisions from trial courts across the state.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
This is a hospital located in Northampton that serves as the healthcare provider where the criminal incidents occurred.
The details
The incidents for which Kostek was convicted took place while he was providing physical therapy to a patient recovering from injuries sustained in a 2019 car crash. The defendant, a resident of South Hadley, had already completed his court-ordered probation in September 2024.
Timeline
January 2019: The victim was injured in a car crash.
September 2022: Edward Kostek was convicted of three felony counts.
September 2024: Kostek completed his two-year probation sentence.
September 9, 2026: The Appeals Court held oral arguments in the case.
October 13, 2026: The Appeals Court officially affirmed the convictions.
Legal Context
This case follows the established judicial standards dictated by the Massachusetts state rules of appellate procedure regarding evidence admission. The ruling reinforces the state's narrow scope for overturning lower court verdicts based on attorney performance.
This decision marks the formal end of the legal process regarding incidents at a local medical facility, providing closure for the proceedings. It confirms that the original guilty verdict and the sentencing terms issued by the court remain in effect.
The takeaway
The appellate court's decision underscores the difficulty of overturning jury convictions without strong evidence of procedural failure. Residents should remain aware that judicial review often confirms the original trial outcome when legal standards are met.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings involving sex-crimes, visit the Massachusetts state court database.
