WEST HARTFORD - A sub-contractor for DirecTV is under arrest after police say he sexually assaulted a person who had scheduled an appointment.
It happened around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4. Police were called to Hillcrest Avenue for a complaint of sexual assault. The victim said she had scheduled an appointment for DirecTV to install equipment. Then, the victim says, the installer made advances and sexually assaulted her.
According to court documents, Gordon asked the victim, “Do you believe in love at first sight?” to which she replied, no. Then, Gordon proceeded to assault and rape her while she was saying, “No! Please Stop! I’m Married!”
The installer has been identified as Rashford Gordon, 38, of Bloomfield. Police say they caught up with him at his next appointment in Hartford. Police say his employer has been notified of the incident.
The victim was transported to Hartford Hospital.
Gordon is charged with sexual assault in the first degree and unlawful restraint. He appeared in court on Thursday and is being held on a $750,000 bond. He appeared in court Monday, March 23 but did not enter a plea. He is due back in court April 9.
However, Gordon told police a different story from the victim. He said that he and the victim were flirting with each other and that she made the first advance and kissed him on the lips. His story shifted several times when asked by police if she ever said “no” or at what point the sexual activity stopped.
Also, West Hartford Police Lt. Ted Stoneburner said, "He has had, by his own admission, other dates that have been procured during his other installs.”
Gordon is an employee of Easter Video Services, a subcontractor for DirectTV. Police said his supervisor told them that he has no complaints against them.
Here is a statemetnt from Direct TV:
The technician in question worked for Eastern Video Services, a sub partner of Mastec, an independent contractor for DIRECTV. As soon as Eastern Video Services learned of the incident the employee was suspended immediately. Eastern Video Services and Mastec are continuing to work with local authorities on the case.
The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we contractually require all of our contractors to conduct extensive background and chemical screening tests. Each installer must go through a five-panel drug screening, a SSN trace, nationwide criminal check and a county-by-county trace over the last seven years. Mastec has confirmed that this individual contractor completed the background check process and passed.