June 17, 2026

Police fear more victims after rape arrest at Maryland training academy

Detectives say a Silver Spring man accused of sexually assaulting a woman at his training academy may have had additional victims

Gaithersburg, MD — A Silver Spring man is being held without bond after being charged with rape in a case that Montgomery County detectives say may involve additional victims.

Montgomery County Police announced the arrest of 58-year-old Melesse Semegne following an investigation by the department’s Special Victims Investigations Division.

According to police, officers responded to a Silver Spring residence on May 6 after an adult woman reported she had been sexually assaulted the previous day.

The woman told investigators she had gone to Fenote Training Academy, located at 8115 Fenton Street, where she was enrolled in a course.

Police said the victim reported that Semegne was the only person inside the business when she arrived and that he sexually assaulted her.

After leaving the location, the woman contacted police.

As part of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at the Fenton Street business on May 14 and recovered items described by police as having evidentiary value.

Authorities said Semegne turned himself in on June 14.

Police fear more victims after rape arrest at maryland training academy
Photo: police fear more victims after rape arrest at maryland training academy

He is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.

Semegne has been charged with second-degree rape, attempted second-degree rape, two counts of second-degree assault and a fourth-degree sex offense.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone who may have had contact with Semegne to contact the Montgomery County Police Department’s Special Victims Investigations Division.

The investigation remains ongoing.


Key Points

  • A Silver Spring man has been charged with rape following an investigation by Montgomery County detectives.
  • Police allege the assault occurred at a training academy on Fenton Street.
  • Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are seeking information from the public.