The case against the American Medical Response paramedic accused of sexually molesting a patient in the back of an ambulance was transfered Thursday from Meriden to New Haven Superior Court as the defendent's attorney questioned the validity of the charges.

Mark Powell, 49, of North Haven, was arrested Jan. 7 on charges that he assaulted the woman, a 22-year-old Hamden resident, early Christmas morning after she had injured herself during a Christmas party.

According to police, Powell admitted to pinching the woman's breast and manupilating her vagina with his finger in an attempt to wake her up. The woman woke up during the assault, police said, but was unable to speak or move because she was strapped to a stretcher.

Powell told police he knew it was "not an appropriate technique," according to the warrant issued for his arrest on first-degree sexual assault and first-degree unlawful restraint charges.

Powell's first court appearance was Thursday in Meriden Superior Court. There, Judge Philip Scarpellino ordered the case transfered to New Haven Superior Court, where more serious cases are heard. He also approved the victim's request for a restraining order against Powell.

Powell is being represented by attorney Norman Pattis, who said after the proceedings Thursday that he doubts the veracity of the information contained in the arrest warrant. 

The case was continue to Tuesday, when it will be taken up in the New Haven court.