A Goodwill Industries employee in Oklahoma, Mark Davenport, has been arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting disabled co-workers and warning them to remain silent.
The Tulsa Police Department’s Special Victims Unit initiated an investigation following a report from a Goodwill worker who stated that Davenport, her supervisor and “job coach” at a Goodwill Donation Center, had kissed her, fondled her, and sexually assaulted her.
According to police, Davenport was entrusted with the safety and well-being of the victims as part of his employment, providing vocational assistance under Goodwill Industries of Tulsa’s Medicaid waiver for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The investigation uncovered another victim supervised by Davenport at a different Goodwill Donation Center. This woman disclosed a sexual relationship with the suspect, stating that he would take her to secluded areas away from security cameras, where he engaged in non-consensual sexual acts despite her objections.
Authorities confirmed the allegations of sexual assault on co-workers through text messages and Goodwill’s video surveillance, leading to Davenport’s arrest. The investigation also revealed that Davenport had sexually assaulted an adult with mental disabilities while working for Goodwill in 2013, and had been accused of sexually abusing an 8-year-old in 2006.
Goodwill Industries of Tulsa, in a Facebook post, confirmed that Davenport is no longer employed by the organization and emphasized their cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation. The nonprofit stated that they took appropriate action to ensure the safety of all program participants.
Considering the gravity of this case and the importance of addressing workplace harassment, Labor Law Advocates urges anyone with concerns regarding sexual harassment, quid pro quo, or other employer violations to seek legal support. It is crucial to stand against such misconduct and protect the rights and well-being of employees.
