In a case involving allegations of severe abuse of trust, a veteran paramedic is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from homes of patients during emergency response calls.

Toronto Police said the 47-year-old Emergency Medical Services supervisor was arrested yesterday following an extensive investigation, which began last October when the first complaint surfaced.

"We currently have three complaints," Det. Indy Esken, of 54 Division, said, adding few details could be released because the investigation is ongoing and the matter is before the courts.

More than $10,000 has been reported stolen, Esken said.

The thefts are alleged to have occurred in 2004 and 2005, when EMS were called to east-end homes.


Bruce Farr, head of Toronto EMS, said the allegations are a concern for the entire EMS family.

"It's very serious," Farr said, "but it's a one-off situation and I hope people won't paint all paramedics with the same brush."

ON PAID LEAVE

Mark Solomon, of Pickering, has been charged with theft under $5,000, theft over $5,000 and breach of trust. He is scheduled to appear in an Old City Hall courtroom Nov. 18.

The 25-year EMS veteran is on administrative leave, with pay, until the outcome of the case is known.

Solomon worked as a supervisor in the southeast section of the city.

Supervisors provide initial care if they are the closest to the emergency scene until an ambulance and paramedic team arrives. They don't work with a partner.
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Real nice

That is trully low, people entrust their lives to him and he abuses it by stealing from them while they are sick and/or injured. People like this make me sick!

this reminds me a tad, of that simpsons episode. where ambulence peoples steal your wallets unless you have that cult card, inwhich homer was the 'chosen' one for.

but this was pretty outragous

its a sad fact of human psychology

positions of power and public trust not only draw the well-meaning, good people, looking to improve their community, but they also draw low-life power-grabbing scum, who are looking for easy prey.

we've all heard the stories.

This is very sad indeed.

I know that everyone is human, but these people are intrusted to save lives. I didn't know that that included robbing people blind, too.

In an emergency, no one really stops to think who they are letting in their house. their last concern is, is this person honest? I'd hate to have to start worrying about things like this when all you want is someone to help you.

40nrockinon

Childminders will be pinching children’s pocket money next!

What a world we live in!

"money is the root of all evil"

In that case give me loads and call me Mr. Evil.

What's your account number, I'll help you out.

But yes, this is really disgusting that people can stoop to this level. I hope everyone was compensated.