Montgomery County detectives said they are reviewing evidence and looking for possible additional victims.
SILVER SPRING, MD — A 58-year-old Silver Spring man has been arrested on rape and sex offense charges after police said a woman reported being sexually assaulted at a health care training academy in downtown Silver Spring.
Melesse Semegne is charged with second-degree rape, attempted second-degree rape, fourth-degree sex offense and two counts of second-degree assault. Montgomery County police said the case involves Fenote Training Academy on Fenton Street, where the woman had enrolled in a course. Semegne turned himself in June 14 and was being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.
The report began after officers responded around 8:12 p.m. May 6 to a residence in Silver Spring, where an adult woman said she had been sexually assaulted the previous day. Police said the woman told investigators she went to Fenote Training Academy for a course and found Semegne was the only person inside the business when she arrived. Police said the assault happened inside the training center. Detectives with the Special Victims Investigations Division later sought court approval to search the Fenton Street location. On May 14, investigators executed a search warrant there and recovered evidence items, police said. The agency has not released a detailed list of the items seized or said whether forensic testing has been completed.
The academy is listed as a health and safety training business that offers CPR, AED, First Aid, Basic Life Support and other training services in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Fenote Training Academy’s public website identifies Semegne as its president, CEO and lead instructor. It also describes the business as serving students seeking workplace and industry certifications. Police have not said whether the woman was enrolled in a specific course, how long she had been connected to the academy or whether any other students were scheduled to be at the site that day. The business is located on Fenton Street in Silver Spring, a busy commercial corridor near offices, restaurants, apartments and transit stops.
Montgomery County police said detectives “believe there may be additional victims” and are asking people who had contact with Semegne to contact investigators. The department has not said whether it has received other reports tied to the academy, and no additional accusers have been publicly identified. The charges remain allegations, and court records will determine the next steps in the case. Semegne is next due in court July 10, according to local court reporting. Prosecutors have not announced whether more charges are under review. Police also have not said whether the academy remains open, whether Semegne had legal representation or whether investigators have spoken with other instructors or students.
The case has drawn attention because police say the alleged assault happened in a setting where students attend training for health and safety certifications. Fenote Training Academy’s public materials describe a mission focused on helping immigrants, refugees, veterans, English learners, people with disabilities, justice-impacted people and other underserved groups earn credentials and prepare for work. Investigators have released only limited information about the woman’s account, and they have not named her. In sex offense cases, police and news organizations generally do not identify people who report sexual assault unless they choose to speak publicly. The police statement placed the focus on the criminal charges, the search warrant and the possibility that other people may have information useful to detectives.
Police said the investigation remains with the Special Victims Investigations Division. Semegne was in custody without bond after surrendering June 14. The next public milestone in the case is a scheduled court appearance July 10, when the charges and detention status may be reviewed.
Author note: Last updated June 19, 2026.