Foot-Rubbing Former Providence School Administrator's Criminal Conviction Affirmed

WARWICK, RI — A former Providence school administrator found guilty of massaging a minor's foot against his will at a Warwick health club lost his appeal to the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

The court on Monday affirmed the conviction of Olayinka Alege.

Alege, 44, was hired in 2020 as Network Superintendent of Secondary Schools for Providence Public Schools. After he was charged, State Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters said the "District asked for Dr. Alege’s resignation, which has been received."

Alege was found guilty of simple assault and/or battery in December 2023 and was sentenced to one year, suspended with probation, and 140 hours community service.

Alege stood trial on the charge twice before. He was found guilty the first time but a mistrial was declared. The jury was unable to reach a verdict the second time and another mistrial was declared.

Alege was arrested on the charge in connection with an April 20, 2021, incident at the Edge Fitness Club on Rt. 2.

The minor testified that he was working out when Alege approached him, according to the court's opinion.

The minor said Alege "proceeded to ask him if he had blisters on his foot," and as he was answering, Alege "grabbed his foot and 'took the shoe off (his) foot without asking,'" the opinion said

"He further testified that (Alege) then removed his sock and 'started to massage (his) feet up and down,'" the opinion said.

The minor testified that he "immediately contacted his parents to come and pick him up," and when his father arrived, he informed him about the incident.

The minor testified the encounter left him "rattled" and in a “state of shock," the opinion said.

Police said Alege initially denied rubbing the victim's foot, claiming instead that he merely touched it.