News Summary
The Rhode Island Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of former school administrator Olayinka Alege for simple assault against a minor. Alege was found guilty for inappropriately massaging a teenager’s foot without consent at a fitness club, leading to his probation and community service. Following his appeal, the court reaffirmed the conviction, emphasizing accountability in educational settings and raising concerns about the vetting of school officials. Alege’s past controversies have sparked discussions on student safety and proper supervision in schools.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of Olayinka Alege, a former school administrator in Providence, for simple assault against a minor. This ruling confirms Alege’s actions on April 20, 2021, when he inappropriately massaged the foot of a teenager at the Edge Fitness Club in Warwick without consent.
Alege, 44, who previously served as the Network Superintendent of Secondary Schools for Providence Public Schools, was convicted in April 2022 for the incident but subsequently appealed the decision. Following a series of legal proceedings, he underwent two additional trials, with the latest conviction reaffirmed in December 2023. As a result of the court’s ruling, Alege was sentenced to one year of probation, which has been suspended, along with the completion of 140 hours of community service. He is also prohibited from contacting the victim and his family.
During the trial, the minor involved testified that Alege approached him while he was working out and began asking questions about blisters on his foot. The situation escalated when Alege allegedly grabbed the teen’s foot, removed his sneaker and sock, and began massaging it without permission. Following the encounter, the minor reported feeling “rattled” and in a “state of shock,” and he informed his parents immediately following the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Ruling
Alege’s appeal was based on claims of insufficient evidence for probable cause, bias from the original trial judge, and disproportionate sentencing. However, the Rhode Island Supreme Court found that there was ample evidence supporting the conviction and rejected Alege’s claims of judicial bias. The original trial was overseen by Judge Anthony Capraro, while Judge Luis Matos presided over the appellate case.
The court’s decision not only upholds Alege’s conviction but also reinforces the accountability of individuals in positions of authority, especially in educational settings. In the wake of the allegations, both State Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters called for Alege’s resignation, which he submitted in May 2021, shortly after the incident came to light.
Background and Past Controversies
Alege, who began his role at Providence Public Schools in June 2020, had previously worked in Hillsborough County, Florida, where he faced allegations in 2009 for using an unconventional form of discipline involving “popping” boys’ toes. This background came under scrutiny following the recent charges and raised questions about his hiring.
The incidents highlighting Alege’s past and the recent assault conviction have led to concerns about student safety and the vetting of school administrators. The Rhode Island Supreme Court’s ruling serves as a critical reminder of the judicial system’s role in addressing and rectifying misconduct in educational environments.
The ongoing conversations surrounding Alege’s case reflect a growing awareness and sensitivity towards the treatment of minors and the responsibilities held by those in educational positions. As this case concludes, it opens pathways for discussions regarding the standards for hiring and monitoring personnel in schools to ensure that the safety of students remains paramount.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Former Rhode Island School Admin Groped Teen’s Foot
- Turnto10: Former Providence School Administrator Accused of Touching Boy’s Foot
- WPRI: PVD Schools Admin Known for Toe Popping Charged
- Boston Globe: RI Upholds Conviction of Former Providence School Administrator
- Wikipedia: Child Assault
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
