A Massachusetts firefighter accused of raping a child more than two decades ago has been arrested.
Maynard Police say 59-year-old James MacGillivary was arrested at his home Thursday. The arrest, they say, stems from an incident that allegedly happened back in 1991.
Thursday night, MacGillivary was being held at the police station until his arraignment Friday morning.
MacGillivary's neighbors on Mill Street wanted to distance themselves from the situation, but one mom who has two young boys told necn off camera how chilling the thought is.
"You can't even leave your kids home and let them out to play without feeling the need to keep checking on their safety," she said.
Necn also went to fire station where MacGillivary works.
One firefighter says they're not allowed to comment, but that they're all just trying to take in the information.
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MacGillivary has been a Maynard firefighter for nearly 30 years, since 1986.
He was placed on leave Feb. 5 after the allegations were initially made against him. That's when the police department opened an investigation.
"This is a deeply disturbing case involving serious allegations," Maynard Police Chief Mark Dubois said in a statement.
What's unclear is how MacGillivary knew the alleged victim, where the alleged rape took place, and why the allegation is surfacing now.
"I hope that family can finally find some peace and in knowing that justice has come," said the neighbor.
His job is also on the line. MacGillivary will have a termination hearing from the fire department on March 5.
