Paramedic sexually assaulted boy during ride-along in Chester County, police say

WEST GOSHEN TWP., Pennsylvania -- A paramedic who worked for health systems in Philadelphia and Chester County, Pennsylvania, has been charged with sexually assaulting a boy who was accompanying him as part of a job shadowing program.

Kenneth T. Mason, 50, of Wilmington, Delaware is charged with corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Police said Mason inappropriately touched the victim while the boy was participating in a career-development ride-along program through the Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital Paramedic Unit.

The victim told investigators that on August 9 he and Mason had parked at a remote location in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to take a break during the overnight shift.

The victim told police he fell asleep during the break and awoke at 4:50 a.m. to find Mason touching him inappropriately.

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Mason was later charged. His attorney said his client will vehemently challenge the charges in court.

A key point, attorney Evan Kelly said, is that the 17-year-old continued the ride along with Mason that morning, even taking a 6 a.m. call and not alerting anyone at Penn.

"This call didn't end until 7:10 a.m. So, he not only went on this call after this allegedly happen, but he stayed later and was talking to my client about the positive remarks he got about how well he handled the call," Kelly said.

Mason is a former part-time mobile vehicle paramedic with Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital. He also worked as a full time flight paramedic with Jefferson University Hospitals.