Ryan Hemphill, 43, once portrayed himself as a formidable figure in business and law, boasting a law degree, an MBA, and affiliations with high-profile organizations such as the United Nations. His three personal websites and LinkedIn profile painted a picture of affluence, claiming ownership of a private equity firm and a nonprofit organization.
However, the facade began to unravel when Manhattan prosecutors accused Hemphill of heinous crimes, including the torture and rape of six women in his midtown Manhattan apartment. At a recent press conference, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg noted that Hemphill leveraged his perceived wealth and influence as a means to manipulate and intimidate his victims.
Prosecutors detailed that Hemphill allegedly claimed to have extensive connections within law enforcement and organized crime, suggesting to the victims that reporting him to the authorities would be futile.
“His image of being untouchable was a tool he used to prey on women,” Bragg said, underscoring the severity of the allegations against Hemphill.
Delving deeper into Hemphill’s self-proclaimed achievements reveals discrepancies. Although he claimed to be the founder of Madison Park Capital Advisors, a private equity firm based in New York City, research indicated otherwise. The official website of Madison Park Capital Advisors lists its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and Hemphill is neither mentioned as a founder nor an employee.
Chris Featherstone, a principal at the Seattle firm, was clear in his response, stating that he had no knowledge of Hemphill and that they were not related in any way. This revelation raised questions about Hemphill’s credibility and his declared business successes.
Further investigation did not yield any records for a separate business entity named “Madison Park Capital Advisors” in any state, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission found no connections to Hemphill.
A former associate of Hemphill expressed skepticism about his claims, noting that he had often complained about his financial situation. This individual’s insight cast doubt on the supposed grandeur of Hemphill’s success, suggesting that the reality was starkly different from his online persona.
While Hemphill’s claims regarding Madison Park Capital Advisors appear dubious, his involvement with the MB Market is somewhat more substantiated. The MB Market, an online car auction platform, confirmed that Hemphill was an early investor, but they clarified that he was not considered a founding member and had no current affiliation with the company.
They referenced a private agreement that restricted further comments on their relationship with Hemphill. Notably, Hemphill’s contentious departure from the company led him to file a lawsuit against the founders over a sale that he was not informed about. Reports suggest that following the company’s announcement of the sale, Hemphill sent threatening messages to one of its co-founders, hinting at connections to powerful figures in response to disputes.
In the criminal case, prosecutors allege that Hemphill utilized similar intimidation tactics against his victims, reinforcing his perceived invulnerability and deterring them from seeking help.
Text messages reveal Hemphill’s overt threats, including derogatory and degrading remarks directed towards one victim, showcasing an abusive dynamic.
As the legal troubles mounted, a source familiar with Hemphill’s operations raised concerns about his capacity to manage legal or business matters competently. After confronting Hemphill about his expertise in private equity—where he reportedly admitted he had not actually worked—this whistleblower’s perspective further illuminated doubts regarding Hemphill’s credentials.
Before claiming expertise in the private sector, Hemphill alleged to have served as a diplomatic advisor and delegate for the United Nations. Yet, the United Nations has no record of him having ever been a staff member. A spokesperson for the U.N. speculated that Hemphill may have overstated his involvement, suggesting it may just have been participation as a delegate for a non-governmental organization.
Despite the wavering credibility of his professional background, Hemphill is indeed recognized as a licensed attorney, having graduated from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University—an institution that also confirms his attainment of an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in drama.
However, Hemphill’s claims about his prior work history remain largely unverified, as many of the companies he lists on his LinkedIn profile either declined to comment or were unreachable.
Reports allege that between October 2024 and March, Hemphill used online platforms like Seeking.com, SugarDaddy, and FetLife to meet his six alleged victims. Prosecutors assert that he lured these women with the promise of financial compensation for sex and companionship but often failed to deliver, leading to further manipulation.
The accusations specify that Hemphill recorded the abusive acts he allegedly committed, which included a wide array of severe physical and psychological torture methods. These acts, prosecutors claim, indicate a methodical approach to his predatory behavior.
Bragg cautioned that, based on the materials collected during the investigation, they suspect there could be other victims—potentially dozens or hundreds whose images or experiences may be documented in the footage Hemphill recorded.
“This indictment illustrates the risks inherent in being deceived by puppet masters, often flaunting a veneer of power,” Bragg commented, vowing to pursue justice for the victims.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Ryan Hemphill’s once carefully curated image is now juxtaposed starkly against the weighty allegations he faces. His portrayal as a man of considerable influence is likely to forever transform into a cautionary tale about the perils of deception and the complexities surrounding power dynamics.
In the wake of these events, the community reflects on the importance of support systems for victims and the necessity of ensuring that those who wield power are held accountable for their actions, regardless of how convincing their public personas may be.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/accused-rapist-ryan-hemphill-built-false-persona-wealth-power-rcna203145
