
BRAD NYGAARD
The Bismarck Tribune, N.D.
(TNS)
A Bismarck man was recently arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a paramedic who was giving him medical attention.
Michael Sjomeling was charged with two misdemeanor counts related to sexual assault after an incident on Nov. 28. Those charges each carry maximum sentences of nearly a year in jail.
During a court appearance Friday, a judge set bond in Sjomeling’s case at $3,000 cash.
Bismarck police were called early Thursday to the Metro Area Ambulance Service station on Memorial Highway after they received a report of a sexual assault, according to an affidavit.
Upon arrival, an officer spoke with a woman who reported being sexually assaulted by Sjomeling, who needed medical attention for a cut on his left wrist, the affidavit said. The call for medical attention took place at an address in the 400 block of East Main Avenue. The paramedic said she believed he was intoxicated, the affidavit said.
The woman placed Sjomeling’s arm on her thigh in the process of giving him aid when Sjomeling allegedly grabbed her genital area, according to the affidavit. The paramedic warned Sjomeling to stop or he would be “in the back of a police car.” Rather than stop, Sjomeling grabbed the paramedic a second time, at which point she stopped trying to render aid, the affidavit stated.
Police also interviewed another person at the scene, a coworker of the paramedic, who told police he did not see the alleged incidents but did hear the woman tell Sjomeling to stop or he would be “in a police car.” The coworker also told police the paramedic exhibited a high-level of emotion that was described as “not typical” and she appeared to be in distress.
Because the charges are classified as misdemeanors, Sjomeling was asked to enter pleas during his initial court appearance last week. He pleaded not guilty and a jury trial is scheduled to begin on March 18.
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