PONTIAC, Mich. – Bail has been set for a mental health technician accused of raping an 18-year-old patient in his old hospital Oakland County.
Kevin Darcell Blanks, 56, of Detroitwas a mental health technician who worked the night shift on the psychiatric floor of Pontiac General Hospital, according to authorities.
On July 14, detectives were called to the hospital to investigate a sexual assault complaint. Hospital workers told police that Blanks had sexually assaulted a patient, an 18-year-old woman, in the early hours of the morning.
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Blanks has since been fired due to the alleged incident, authorities said.
Oakland County deputies said Thursday (July 28) that they were looking for Blanks. He was taken into custody Friday after turning himself in to agents, they said.
“For a person who is receiving mental health services to be raped by someone charged with their care is disgusting,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
Accusation
A virtual arraignment was held on Friday in front of Judge Cynthia Walker. A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of Blanks.
During the arraignment it was revealed that Blanks had turned himself in when he learned of the charges against him. His defense said that should work in his favor in terms of setting bail.
“I have to be concerned about the nature of the charge, which is criminal sexual conduct and the allegation that the alleged victim in the case was incapacitated,” Walker said.
Blanks raised his hand several times during the judge’s bail remarks and asked for more details about an alleged 2002 incident that was discussed as part of a review of his prior criminal history.
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“This is about the 2002 case,” Blanks said. “I am not aware of a case from 2002. Are you sure it is me?
“I was out of Detroit,” Walker said.
“I don’t have a case before about anything like this,” Blanks said.
“It was disorderly conduct,” Walker said. “I’m not saying it’s anything like this. I’m not saying that.”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Blanks said.
His defense attorney asked Blanks not to speak, and Walker warned him that anything he said could be used against him.
Bail was eventually set at $50,000, cash/guarantee. Blanks was instructed not to have contact with the alleged victim or any employee of Pontiac General Hospital. He is not allowed to return to Pontiac General Hospital, the judge said.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 1:30 pm on August 9 and a preliminary examination is scheduled for 9 am on August 16.
You can view the full arraignment below..
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