Bridges Randle, 47, also known as “Ajamu Abiola Banjoko” and “Oluwafemi Abiola Banjoko” of Memphis, Tennessee, appeared before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for an initial appearance on a warrant issued by the Western District of Tennessee on Tuesday on St. Thomas, according to United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
The warrant stems from a federal indictment that charges Randle with committing a civil rights offense, including aggravated sexual abuse. A detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
According to court records, Randle is charged with sexually assaulting a woman in June 2000 while on duty as a police officer with the Memphis Police Department.
Randle was arrested on his way to work at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas on Tuesday, according to the press release. UVI issued a statement Tuesday evening stating that Randle has been suspended and the university has opened an investigation into the matter.
“The University of the Virgin Islands has no comment on the arrest of Bridges Randall, who was detained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation today. According to the release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Oluwafemi Banjoko is an alias of Randall,” the statement said. “Prior to hiring Dr. Banjoko, the University used a third-party service to conduct a background check. The University had no knowledge of any criminal warrant. UVI has immediately convened an investigation into this matter. Banjoko has been suspended pending the University’s investigation and the case in District Court. UVI thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work on this case. The University takes these matters seriously and it is our highest priority to ensure the safety of the UVI community,” the statement said.
According to the indictment, Randle was dispatched to a vandalism call at which point he sexually assaulted the woman at her residence on June 24, 2000. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The FBI Memphis Field Office is investigating this case and is being prosecuted by the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include the statement from the University of the Virgin Islands.
