Boston Official Accused of Rape on Martha's Vineyard, Prior Restraining Orders Cited

Edward J. Brown, 27, an assistant director of security for Boston Public Schools, has been arrested and charged with rape following an alleged incident on Martha's Vineyard. Prosecutors stated that Brown met the woman at the Ritz Cafe in Oak Bluffs before taking her to a State Police barracks on August 15, where he is accused of forcing himself on her.

According to Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Courtney Scalice, the woman reported that she was assaulted while "kicking and screaming." She allegedly fled the barracks, was found naked and screaming on the street, and subsequently reported the incident to the police. Brown pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment in Edgartown District Court, where his bail was set at $10,000. His attorney, Anthony R. Ellison, stated that the bail was posted by Brown's family, and he was released the same day.

Court documents revealed that two ex-girlfriends had previously obtained restraining orders against Brown. One restraining order, filed in May, detailed claims of harassment, including persistent unwanted phone calls and alleged stalking behavior. This ex-girlfriend expressed fear for her safety, stating Brown exhibited problematic behavior when consuming alcohol and became confrontational. She reported that he allegedly tried to physically move her body and continued to contact her even after she blocked his number and blocked him on social media.

A second restraining order was filed on August 3 by another ex-girlfriend, who had ended her relationship with Brown about three years prior. She alleged that Brown made excessive calls from a "no-caller ID phone number," particularly when he had been drinking. This woman also testified in court that she feared Brown due to his firearm and alleged past physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. In both civil proceedings, Brown was ordered to surrender his firearms.

During Brown's arraignment, prosecutors noted that the alleged victim recalled being bought a drink at a bar and then waking up naked in an unfamiliar bed. She stated she asked Brown for water to prompt his departure from the room before fleeing. Brown's attorney has characterized the events as a "private matter" and noted that the accuser, who was reportedly in Ireland, had not expressed a desire to pursue criminal charges.

Investigators spoke with Trooper Ryan Costello, a friend of Brown's who was present at the barracks. Costello reported that Brown appeared unusually quiet around 1:30 a.m. on August 15 and provided inconsistent accounts of his interaction with the woman. Initially, Brown allegedly denied the woman had been at the barracks, then claimed she was there briefly, and finally suggested he left her in an Uber due to her intoxication.

Brown is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing on December 3.