BOSTON — A 39-year-old Massachusetts General Hospital employee has been charged with rape, lewd assault, and assault after being accused by a patient of performing a follow-up health examination.
East Boston’s Damien Knighton pleaded not guilty in an arraignment in Roxbury District Court on Thursday.
The male victim told Boston Police that he was sexually assaulted by staff at the MGH Back Bay Health Care Center off Commonwealth Avenue around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The victim told police that he had seen a doctor for a follow-up appointment regarding injuries to his shoulder and right leg.
Hayden said a medical staff member identified as Knighton contacted the victim, and doctors ordered additional tests.
The victim was brought into an examination room and Knighton asked him to remove his clothes because his penis and testicles needed to be examined, Hayden said.
After Knighton asked him to kneel on the examination table and insert his finger into the rectum, the victim was asked to turn around and sit on the examination table, where he again inserted his finger into the victim’s rectum.
According to police reports, the victim dressed and went to the front desk to ask staff if the tests Knighton allegedly had been ordered by a doctor.
The victim told staff she felt she had been sexually assaulted and wanted to report it.
Police were called to the hospital and Knighton was arrested and charged with two counts of rape and lewd assault and assault.
“We have learned that an employee of MGH Back Bay Health Care Center has been arrested in connection with a workplace criminal complaint,” MGH Back Bay Health Care Center said in a written statement.
MGH confirmed Thursday night that Knighton is on leave pending an investigation.
In a statement, the hospital said, “Patients are our number one priority and we strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all who seek care.”
Knighton is scheduled to return to court on February 23 for a probable cause hearing.
No additional information was readily available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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