Ore. Paramedic Accused of Two Counts of Rape

The Register-Guard, Eugene, Ore.

Additional charges have been filed against a Eugene-Springfield Fire paramedic already charged with rape and sodomy, alleging he raped a second woman who was incapacitated.

Edward Blake, 43, of Cheshire, was charged Thursday with two new counts each of first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy, bringing the total amount of charges against him to 13. According to the indictment, the most recent alleged crimes occurred between July 1, 2017 and May 31, 2019. The victim was incapable of consent by reason of mental incapacitation and physical helplessness, the indictment reads.

First-degree rape and first-degree sodomy are both Measure 11 offenses, carrying mandatory minimum sentences of eight years, four months each. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Blake was initially charged in September, after Blake allegedly administered Fentanyl and Midazolam on Sept. 11 to a victim through an IV before sexually assaulting her in a Springfield hotel room. The woman went to Springfield police that day and after an investigation, Blake was charged Sept. 27 with strangulation, causing another person to ingest a controlled substance, unlawful delivery of a schedule II controlled substance, unlawful delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance, two counts of first-degree rape, and three counts of first-degree sodomy.

After his arrest, Springfield police said they believed there may be additional victims, and at least one person came forward, leading to the new charges.

Fentanyl is a drug that carries a high risk for addiction and dependence. It can cause respiratory distress and death when taken in high doses or when combined with other substances, especially alcohol. Midazolam can cause paranoid or suicidal thoughts and impair memory, judgment and coordination. Combining with other substances, particularly alcohol, it can slow breathing and possibly lead to death.

Blake's trial is scheduled for April 7.