N.C. paramedic accused of sexually assaulting 17-year-old in ambulance
03/10/2023 12:14 pm PST
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old paramedic was arrested this week after he allegedly sexually assaulted a teenager in an ambulance while en route to a hospital.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, on Jan. 17, a 17-year-old female "experiencing a medical episode" was being transported in a Fort Mill Emergency Medical Services ambulance to Atrium Health on Blythe Boulevard. When she arrived at the hospital, she alleged she was sexually assaulted by Akingbiwaju Joseph Opadele in the back of the ambulance.
Police said Opadele was the only paramedic in the back of the ambulance.
The teen was reportedly treated for her "medical episode" and also received a sexual assault examination and kit. Police said analysis from the kit as well as testimony and other evidence was enough to obtain a warrant for Opadele's arrest, and he was taken into custody March 7 for sexual contact under pretext of medical treatment.
Opadele was released 37 minutes after posting $15,000 unsecured bond, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said in a news briefing.
Maj. Melanie Peacock said the victim told officials Opadele put his hands in her pants and sexually assaulted her.
Peacock said, "The type of medical episode she was suffering did not necessitate any touching."
She continued, "This case is particularly disturbing given it involves a person in a position of medical authority preying upon a patient suffering a medical episode. I can’t think of anything that’s more of a deplorable violation of trust."
Opadele has been placed on administrative leave from the ambulance service.
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