Former West Point Cadet Faces Civil Lawsuit for Drugging Girlfriend
Caleb Suh, a former West Point cadet, is embroiled in a civil lawsuit after pleading guilty to drugging his then-girlfriend and administering abortion medication without her consent, which resulted in a miscarriage. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Suh.
Guilty Plea in Assault Case
Suh entered a guilty plea in June to charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner, stemming from an incident in March 2022 involving the victim, who was also a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy. Since the incident, he has attended two Ivy League institutions, graduating from Cornell University this year and enrolling in a graduate program at Columbia University.
Details of the Incident
The victim had expressed a desire to keep the baby, a desire not shared by Suh. He admitted in court to using her identity to set up an online pharmacy account to order abortion drugs. Suh then procured Xanax to sedate her and deceived her into consuming what he claimed was a prenatal shake. While she was incapacitated, he inserted abortion pills into her mouth and vagina.
Reactions from Legal Experts
Erin Hawley, an attorney affiliated with the pro-life group Alliance Defending Freedom, described the situation as “absolutely horrific,” emphasizing that the woman was expecting a child she wanted dearly. “This horrifying assault caused the loss of her child and left her with lasting trauma. No woman should endure such an experience,” she stated. Hawley highlighted her expectation that Suh would face strong legal consequences.
Victim’s Medical Emergency
The lawsuit claims that after the assault, Suh left the victim incapacitated and ignored her pleas for help once she regained consciousness and noticed bleeding. She was subsequently hospitalized. While she received medical attention, Suh reportedly returned to the online pharmacy’s website to investigate whether the medications he administered could be detected by doctors.
Legal Representation Comments
Russell Kornblith, the victim’s attorney, noted, “She has gone through a life-altering event that will continue to affect her.” He expressed hope that the lawsuit would prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Educational Background and Current Status of Suh
Suh’s sentencing is currently scheduled for January 21, 2027, postponed at his attorney’s request to allow him to complete his semester at Columbia University. During a June court session, he expressed deep remorse for his actions.
Following his transfer to Cornell, the university confirmed no disciplinary action had been taken against him, and he sought to pursue a career in medicine.
Implications on Medication Distribution
Hawley criticized the current regulatory framework surrounding abortion medication, stating that Suh’s actions exemplify the dangers of allowing such drugs to be shipped without proper medical oversight. She called for reinstatement of safeguards that would prevent similar abuse, referring to a lawsuit challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent policies on mifepristone.
This case, occurring prior to the FDA’s 2023 decision to remove in-person dispensing requirements for abortion pills, has raised critical questions about the safety and regulation of reproductive healthcare.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chief Editor of Quincy City Beat — Quincy, MA's independent investigative newspaper covering Greater Boston and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts with fearless public accountability and free access for all readers.
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