Boston Police say they have arrested an elderly Boston Public Schools employee in connection to indecent assault and battery on a student.
On Nov. 13, Boston Police responded to an incident at the Higginson-Lewis School at 131 Walnut Avenue in the city's Roxbury neighborhood.
Police allege that Charles Ramsey, 85, of Boston, indecently assaulted a student. On Friday, Ramsey was charged with indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age.
Mayor Marty Walsh says his office was shaken when it heard a child was assaulted at school.
"It's a terrible thing," he said. "As mayor of the city of Boston, I don't want that phone call."
The Higginson-Lewis school says the suspect has resigned from his position and is in police custody. They released a statement that read in part:
"From the beginning we have been working very closely with the Boston Police, other appropriate authorities, as well as our families. Our focus is on supporting you and our students, on taking swift action when it’s needed, and on making sure our school is safe and – just as important – that our students feel safe and know they are safe here every day."
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Interim Superintendent John McDonough adds that this is the second arrest of a Boston Public School employee in less than a month.
"Anyone taking advantage of a minor, an innocent person, you definitely don't want to see those things," said neighbor Val Danger.
Betrand Eugene is not buying the allegations against his neighbor. He says he's been friends with Ramsey for 20 years, and thinks Ramsey was set up.
"I don't see in him that type of person to commit that act," he said. "I believe he doesn't commit that. Because I know him."
Meanwhile, Walsh is waiting to hear more from investigators.
"I don't tolerate it, I don't stand for it. And I just ask parents to make sure you talk to your children," said Walsh. "If there's any situations or things you feel uncomfortable with, please call the school department or call City Hall.
Ramsey will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on Monday.
