Massachusetts

Ex-Everett Superintendent Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges

Frederick Foresteire was charged with several counts of assault and battery and was accused of inappropriately touching three employees

The former Everett, Massachusetts school superintendent who retired a day after he was placed on paid administrative leave amid sexual harassment allegations pleaded not guilty to assault and battery charges.

Frederick Foresteire, 75, of Everett, was arraigned Friday for several assault charges that were announced in February, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.

The suspect was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 60, five counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14, and assault and battery in connection with allegedly inappropriately touching three female Everett Public Schools employees.

Authorities did not offer details on the alleged assaults.

Foresteire announced his retirement in a letter to the chairman of the school committee in December, just a day after he was placed on leave in wake of sexual harassment allegations.

The school committee voted to place Foresteire on leave following a private, closed-door meeting on Dec. 17. They also voted to allocate $50,00 for an independent investigation into the allegations.

The meeting came after at least two women came forward with sexual harassment allegations against Forestiere.

Foresteire had been under investigation by the state's Commission Against Discrimination since early December. He denied any wrongdoing.

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