A Mecklenburg County jury has convicted 34-year-old paramedic Akingbiwaju Opadele of sexually assaulting a teenage patient inside an ambulance while she was being taken to hospital.
Opadele, who worked for Fort Mill Emergency Medical Services, was found guilty of second degree forcible sex offense and sexual activity by a custodian after a trial that ended earlier this month. He was sentenced to 144 months in prison and must register as a sex offender for 30 years.
Prosecutors said the incident happened on January 17, 2023, after the teenager suffered a seizure at school. She was being transported by Fort Mill EMS to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital when the assault occurred.
An indictment said Opadele assaulted the girl while she was physically helpless and mentally incapacitated.
The victim reported what happened after reaching the hospital. Authorities later investigated and arrested Opadele in March 2023.
He was first charged with three offences, including a charge involving sexual contact or penetration under the pretext of medical treatment. Prosecutors dropped that charge in August.
After his arrest, Opadele posted a $15,000 bond and spent no time in jail before his conviction. He will therefore receive no credit for time served toward his prison sentence.
