St. Vincent nursing assistant charged with rape

He has been charged with rape and unlawful sexual penetration

Article from KOIN 6.

A nursing assistant at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center was arrested for rape after 2 elderly patients filed complaints against him.

Adeladilew Mekonen, 34, was taken into custody Wednesday after investigators looked into claims that he victimized the elderly women while working at the hospital.

The Certified Nursing Assistant was charged with one count of rape and one count of unlawful penetration, according to Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Mekonen reportedly worked as a CNA at the hospital from May 2016 until his arrest on September 14. In a statement, Providence St. Vincent COO Nancy Roberts said he was placed on administrative leave once the concerns were brought to light.

“He was arrested Wednesday, and we took immediate action ending his employment with Providence,” Roberts said in a statement provided to KOIN 6 News.

“One final thing that’s important for everyone to know: Caring for patients – and keeping them safe – is a privilege and a responsibility that we take very seriously.” – Providence St. Vincent COO Nancy Roberts”

Mekonen is being held at Washington County jail on $250,000 bail.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office believes there may been other victims and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Robert Rookhuyzen at 503.846.2673.

If you or someone you care about was sexually abused and you would like advice from an attorney about the rights and options for victims of sexual abuse, please contact Crew Janci today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-407-0224 or by using our private online form. We will treat you with discretion and respect.

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