Trial of appeal for former Providence school administrator’s assault case begins

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The trial of appeal for a former Providence school administrator found guilty last year of giving an unwanted foot massage to a 15-year-old boy is set to begin.

Olayinka Alege’s case was moved to Kent County Superior Court after he appealed a district court judge’s decision.

Alege was charged with simple assault and battery. He faces the same charge in Superior Court.

The alleged assault at Edge Fitness happened in April 2021. The victim said Alege came uncomfortably close to ask about his sneakers before laying down and ripping off his shoe, forcing him to receive a foot massage.

The 15-year-old said in court he never expected this to happen at the gym and spoke up in the hopes it never happens to anyone else.

Alege denied ever touching the 15-year-old and told police he didn’t recall the details. At the time of the incident, he was an administrator for Providence Public Schools and resigned shortly after the incident.