Providence Educator Released On Bond In Warwick Foot-Rubbing Case

WARWICK, RI — A former Providence educator was released on $1,000 bond and issued a no-contact order during his appearance in 3rd Division District Court on Thursday.

Olayinka Alege, 40, is accused of forcibly massaging a minor's foot at a Warwick gym. He pleaded not guilty to a single count of simple assault and battery. Alege is due back in court on July 9. He has retained Warwick lawyer Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.

Oliyanga Alege and his attorney, Joseph Solomon, Jr. after his arraignment. ⁦@wpri12⁩ pic.twitter.com/BgW7uYPJZy
— Kait Walsh (@KaitLouiseWalsh) May 13, 2021

Alege in 2020 was hired to be Network Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Providence Public Schools. Following news of his alleged behavior, Alege resigned from his position, where he led the district's middle and high schools.

The Warwick Police Department released an incident report describing their investigation into an April 20 incident at the Edge Fitness Club on Rt. 2. The report was redacted to block any identification of the juvenile victim, including his or her gender.

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The minor conveyed to police that they were at the gym when approached by a large black male who forcibly removed their right shoe and athletic sock, then massaged their foot while refusing to let go. The minor managed to pull away and called their father. The minor said the suspect smiled and winked at them as the suspect left the gym. The minor told police they were "in shock" over the interaction.

The assistant general manager of the gym cooperated and provided information to police. The victim and their father later told police that they were interested in pursuing a formal criminal complaint.

On April 27, Alege was interviewed at the Warwick Police Department. Police say Alege initially denied rubbing the victim's foot, claiming instead that he merely touched it.

Excerpt:Warwick Police Department Incident Report

Investigators procured surveillance video from Edge Fitness. Police obtained an arrest warrant and Alege was taken into custody on April 30.

Before moving to Rhode Island, Alege worked for 15 years an educator in the area of Tampa Bay, Florida, where he was known for "toe-popping" his students, according to WTSP-TV.

"Five boys told deputies that King High assistant principal Olayinka Alege asked them on numerous occasions to take off a shoe and sock behind closed doors, and allow him to 'pop' their toes," the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported in 2009. "They said it didn't hurt, but they didn't like it, either."

Providence Public Schools

State Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters issued a joint statement regarding Alege:

“The charges against Dr. Alege are extremely concerning and disturbing. After learning the full details of the allegations -- including the fact that there is video evidence supporting the authenticity of the claims -- the District asked for Dr. Alege’s resignation, which has been received," they wrote.

"As leaders, and as parents ourselves, we will always prioritize the safety and well-being of students. It is deeply upsetting to see anyone -- particularly a high-level administrator - -violate the trust we placed in him to act in accordance with the high standards we set for
all District staff," they added.

Alege's privileges at Edge Fitness have been terminated, the assistant manager told police.

On Thursday, a group of Providence state senators wrote to Senate oversight committee chairman Louis DiPalma seeking an investigation into the decision-making process that led to Alege being hired to a top leadership position in the city's public schools.