Nursing Assistant Charged With Rape Hit With New Charges

A nursing assistant who was fired from Providence St. Vincent Medical Center after being arrested on charges he sexually assaulted patients has been hit with more charges.

Adeladilew Mekonen has been indicted on 18 new counts including rape, kidnapping, and sexual abuse. His alleged victims were 87 and 94-years-old.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office says that nine victims of unwanted sexual contact from Mekonen have been identified. The nine victims that have come forward are associated with two places where Mekonen worked: the West Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center and Providence Saint Vincent Medical Center.

Both previous employers are cooperating with the Sheriff's Office with this investigation. The sheriff's office says the victims range from their 20s to their 90s.

Sheriff's Detectives are concerned there are additional victims that have yet to come forward. Anyone with information on these cases should call the Sheriff's Office Detective Division at 503-846-2500.

One of Mekonen's alleged victims is suing Providence. The woman charges the hospital with negligence and abuse of a vulnerable person. She was allegedly attacked by Mekonen who was arrested last week by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

The woman's suit, filed in Multnomah County Court, says that Providence should have kept Mekonen from being alone with patients after a 94-year-old patient came forward with allegations that she had been attacked by him.

Mekonen was suspended while those allegations were investigated. When they couldn't be substantiated, he was reinstated.

After he was arrested, he was fired.

Photo Washington County Sheriff's Office