Adeladilew Mekonen, a 34-year-old Portland, Oregon nursing assistant, has been indicted on 18 criminal charges involving at least two of nine victims at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland. The charges include rape, kidnapping, unlawful sexual penetration and sexual abuse. His bail is set at $1,000,000.
Police are also investigating similar complaints against Mekonen at West Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center where he worked last year. According to police, Mekonen obtained his CNA license a little over a year ago.
He is also charged with multiple counts of sex abuse and kidnapping a 96-year-old woman in June. Back then, law enforcement said her complaints were not substantiated and Mekonen returned to his hospital job, which included bathing and caring for female patients.
Victims range in age from 20 to 90 years old.
Washington County Sgt. Bob Ray released a statement briefly describing Mekonen’s disturbing actions. “During the course of his duties he came into close, physical contact with the patients and during that time investigators do believe he sexually abused at least nine patients,” Ray said.
The initial complaint against Mekonen was made in June 2016 and is not clear why it took so long for him to be fired from the hospital. Mekonen was fired after his arrest.
Police believe there may be more victims and urge anyone who has information about Mekonen’s criminal behavior to contact Detective Robert Rookhuyzen at 503.846.2673.