Aide Sexually Assaulted Patient In Burnsville Nursing Home: Charges

BURNSVILLE, MN — A 53-year-old nursing home aide was caught on camera sexually assaulting a vulnerable, elderly woman at the facility, according to charges filed in Dakota County.

John Akonkoh, of Savage, faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (victim mentally impaired, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless).

If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 28, 2022, police received a report that a patient at a Burnsville assisted living facility was sexually assaulted.

The patient's sister said she set up had set up a video camera in the patient's room a few days earlier, with permission from the facility, due to a previous incident.

According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 27, the sister reviewed footage that showed Akonkoh sexually assaulting the patient.

The state plans to seek an aggravated sentence in this case due to the following factors:

• Akonkoh working in a position of trust
• The patient's particular vulnerability
• The patient had an expectation of privacy
• The patient was treated with particular cruelty