Bond set for mental health technician accused of raping teenage patient at Oakland County hospital

PONTIAC, Mich. – The bond has been set for a mental health technician accused of raping an 18-year-old patient at his former hospital in Oakland County.

Kevin Darcell Blanks, 56, of Detroit, was a mental health technician working the night shift on the psychiatric floor of Pontiac General Hospital, according to authorities.

On July 14, detectives were called to the hospital to investigate a sexual assault complaint. Hospital workers told police that Blanks had sexually assaulted a patient, an 18-year-old woman, in the early morning hours.

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Blanks has since been fired due to the alleged incident, officials said.

Oakland County deputies said Thursday (July 28) that they were searching for Blanks. He was taken into custody Friday after surrendering to deputies, they said.

“That a person who is receiving mental health services would be violated by someone charged with her care is disgusting,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

Arraignment

A virtual arraignment was held Friday in front of Judge Cynthia Walker. A not guilty plea was entered on Blanks’ behalf.

It was revealed during the arraignment that Blanks had turned himself in when he found out about the charges against him. His defense said that should work in his favor in terms of setting bond.

“I have to be concerned because of the nature of the charge, being criminal sexual conduct, and the allegation that the alleged victim in the case was incapacitated,” Walker said.

Blanks raised his hand multiple times during the judge’s bond remarks and asked for more details about an alleged incident from 2002 that was discussed as part of a review of his previous criminal history.

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“It’s about the 2002 case,” Blanks said. “I’m not aware of a 2002 case. You sure that’s me?”

“It was out of Detroit,” Walker said.

“I don’t have a previous case about nothing like this,” Blanks said.

“It was the disorderly conduct,” Walker said. “I’m not saying it’s anything like this. I’m not saying that.”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Blanks said.

His defense attorney asked Blanks not to speak, and Walker warned him that anything he said could potentially be used against him.

Bond was ultimately set at $50,000, cash/surety. Blanks was instructed not to have contact with the alleged victim or any employees at Pontiac General Hospital. He is not allowed to return to Pontiac General Hospital, the judge said.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 9, and a preliminary examination is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 16.

You can watch the full arraignment below.

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