MANHATTAN, N.Y. — Once considered a successful entrepreneur and legal expert, Ryan Hemphill now faces serious criminal charges, including 116 counts related to allegations of torture and sexual assault against multiple women in his New York City apartment. The 43-year-old presented himself as a prominent figure in business, with credentials that included a law degree, an MBA, and ownership of a private equity firm. However, authorities contend he exploited this facade to manipulate and harm vulnerable women.
Prosecutors allege that Hemphill wielded his purported wealth and connections as a weapon. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated during a recent press conference that Hemphill convinced victims of his invulnerability due to his supposed links to law enforcement and organized crime. “He made them believe that approaching the authorities would be fruitless,” Bragg said, underscoring the sinister nature of Hemphill’s intimidation tactics.
An investigation into Hemphill’s claims reveals inconsistencies in his background. While he cites founding a private equity firm and an online car auction site, corroborating information is scarce. His LinkedIn profile lists Madison Park Capital Advisors as located in Seattle, and the firm has denied any connection to him. Chris Featherstone, a principal at Madison Park, stated, “He is not related to us whatsoever.” Despite searching, no records support Hemphill’s claims of ownership in New York.
In a similar vein, Hemphill’s association with the MB Market, while more verifiable, still raises questions. Although the company acknowledges Hemphill as an early investor, a spokesperson clarified that he was not a founding member and is no longer affiliated with the site. Court documents reveal a contentious legal dispute in which Hemphill sued the firm’s founders over a sale without his consent, further illuminating his turbulent relationships within the business world.
Prosecutors accuse Hemphill of employing threats and intimidation, suggesting he could leverage false connections to dissuade his victims from speaking out. In text messages to one complainant, he boasted about knowing numerous police officers, indicating he would influence their lives if they reported him. Such tactics reflect an alarming pattern of behavior that extends beyond mere deception.
From October 2020 to March 2021, Hemphill allegedly leveraged online platforms to meet the six women accusing him of various forms of abuse. He reportedly offered significant sums in exchange for companionship but often failed to pay them or issued counterfeit money instead. Evidence collected by authorities suggests that Hemphill recorded the acts he engaged in, which included horrific methods of torture and humiliation.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has indicated that there may be more victims, with extensive video evidence possibly containing “dozens, if not hundreds” of individuals. “The defendant told these survivors that he was untouchable,” Bragg remarked, asserting that the indictments serve as a stark reminder of accountability. Hemphill has denied all allegations and pled not guilty to the charges, while both his legal representation and the DA’s office have declined to comment further.
As the case unfolds, questions linger regarding Hemphill’s extensive claimed credentials and the realities behind them. While his legal training has been confirmed, other aspects of his professional narrative remain unverified. Those who have worked with Hemphill express skepticism about his business acumen, suggesting that his self-portrayal as a man of power may be a carefully constructed illusion.
This case highlights not only the potential dangers of online interactions but also the alarming ways individuals can exploit perceived authority and influence. As the legal proceedings continue, Hemphill’s life, defined by a facade of success, now stands in stark contrast to the allegations that have emerged, provoking deep concern over the patterns of predation and manipulation.