Sexual Abuse Charges Filed Against EMT Instructor
Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced felony sexual abuse charges against Christopher David Burk for alleged assaults committed while he worked as an EMT instructor at a community college located in Salt Lake County.
R.G. reported to Sandy City police that on October 10, 2024, she was enrolled as a student in EMT classes at the community college and that her instructor was Mr. Burk. At the end of class, the defendant asked R.G. if she wanted to stay behind and “review some things.” The defendant took R.G. to another classroom and told her he would show her how to “do assessments.” The defendant, under the guise of performing assessment, placed his hands on the victim’s breasts and vaginal area without her consent, and pulled her body close to his while he had an erection.
R.G. was scared to report the incident because she feared the defendant would retaliate and give her a failing grade in the class.
In January 2025, a Sandy police detective was informed by the college that a second student had reported a sexual assault against the defendant. S.H. told police that while she was a student in the EMT program, she felt “targeted” by the defendant. He would consistently use her as an example to do assessments with. The defendant would do assessments on her in front of other classmates, and while checking her ribs, his thumb would reach up and touch her breasts. The victim reported that the defendant performed multiple assessments on her and touched her breasts “numerous times.”
The defendant asked S.H. if she wanted to go on a ride along with Salt Lake City Fire Department. During the ride along, the defendant asked S.H. to practice assessments, including checking his femoral artery. S.H. stated that they did not learn this in class and felt uncomfortable performing the check. The defendant also checked her ribs, during which he touched her breasts.
S.H. was also scared to report the incidents because the defendant held a position of power and felt it could impact her future employment.
Other program instructors have confirmed to Sandy City police that the “assessments” demonstrated by Burk that led to the nonconsensual sexual touching are not legitimate techniques taught in EMT courses.
On January 29, charges were filed. The defendant has been charged with six counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse and one count of third-degree attempted forcible sexual abuse.
“When someone enrolls in school, they should feel safe from untoward behavior, whether that is from a fellow student or faculty member. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, I encourage you to report it to the authorities. Your reports are essential to our prosecution. We can only prosecute offenses that are reported to law enforcement. If we cannot prosecute, we cannot hold individuals accountable for their actions,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “I want to thank the efforts of Sandy City police for investigating this case. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”