Press Release  Lawrence Court Officer Arraigned on Rape Charges

Lawrence, Massachusetts — Lawrence District Court Officer, Jose Martinez, 46, of 21 Amherst Street, Lawrence, was arraigned today in Lawrence District Court on 3 counts of rape and 4 counts of indecent assault and battery.  Norfolk County District Court Judge Richard Savignano ordered him held on $40,000 and ordered him to stay away from Lawrence District Court, except for court appearances, stay away from and have no contact with the victim and surrender all firearms, licenses to carry and ammunition.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia told the court that the alleged victim told a New Hampshire Department of Corrections official of the alleged rapes in December, 2014.  Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney's Office were notified and initiated an investigation which resulted in the charges.

ADA Bellavia told the court that defendant raped the alleged victim on three separate occasions when she was appearing in Lawrence District Court on various charges in July 2009, September and October 2014.  In each instance, the defendant brought the alleged victim to areas in the courthouse with limited access where he allegedly raped her while her legs were shackled.

The defendant is represented by Attorney Ben Duggan and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He is scheduled to appear March 23, 2015 for a Probable Cause Hearing.

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