Hudson Valley EMS Official Charged with Sexual Assault

A Hudson Valley EMS official/member has reportedly been charged after he allegedly sexually assaulted a co-worker while on duty.

33-year-old Jeff Ashdown, an emergency medical services official in Ulster County and a member of an area First Aid Squad was reportedly arrested on February 5th and charged with two misdemeanors after he allegedly sexually assaulted a co-worker while they were both on duty according to News 12.

Hudson Valley EMS Member Arrested

Ashdown was reportedly arrested by police while he was on duty at the Mamakating First Aid Squad at 68 Sullivan St, Wurtsboro, NY earlier this month and charged with two misdemeanors including forcible touching and harassment according to the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office.

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Not only is Ashdown a member of the Mamakating First Aid Squad, but he's also the president of the Ulster County EMS Council and holds a high-ranking position at the Wallkill Ambulance Corps in Ulster County.

SEE ASLO: Gas Pump Robber Charged With Hate Crime in Ulster County

After his arrest, he was suspended by the Mamakating First Aid Squad. His other affiliations declined to comment on his status with each respected organization but his defense attorney had a lot to say about the charges.

Attorney Claims "It's a Set Up"

Glenn Kroll, Ashdown's attorney told News 12 that he's confident that his client is being set up by a disgruntled colleague and that the alleged incident occurred while both were on duty around 15 months ago.

Kroll also alleges that the colleague is "retaliating against him while facing workplace disciplinary charges and possible employment termination" and describes the relationship between Ashdown and the woman as a "close friendship."

This is a developing story and as more information becomes available we will update this article.