Connecticut Paramedic Facing Rape Charges

A Connecticut paramedic is facing felony rape charges after a patient alleged she was sexually assaulted during a transport. Paramedic Mark Powell, 49, turned himself in to police yesterday.

The incident allegedly occurred at 3:00 am on Christmas morning. A 22 year old woman who had fallen and suffered a concussion claims she awoke in the ambulance during the assault.  The victim was being transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital and allegedly was strapped down at the time.

Powell worked for American Medical Response, and has been place on administrative leave. He is free on$25,000 bond. According to police, no further arrests are anticipated.

The police and media seem to have already concluded that Powell is guilty. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that fact that other paramedics and EMTs accused of this type of misconduct were later cleared when the allegations turned out to be the result of total fabrications. The legal system will have to work out the details in this case and we should not prejudge what occurred without all the facts. Having said that – here is a news video that pretty much assumes he is guilty.

Woman claims she was raped in ambulance: wtnh.com

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Another Assisting Police Lawsuit in the News

A federal court in California has dismissed several counts in a lawsuit filed against the City of Richmond and American Medical Response West over the death of a man, but will otherwise allow the case to continue. The suit was brought by the family of Ivan Gutzalenko, who died on March 10, 2021.

Louisiana Firefighter Charged With Setting Firehouse On Fire

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has brought arson charges against a firefighter for setting a hurricane-damaged firehouse on fire. Jamison Smith, 18, is charged with simple arson for the fire that destroyed the Iowa Volunteer Fire Department’s former main station.