Boston Security Director Accused of Raping Woman on Martha's Vineyard

Edward Brown, 27, an assistant security director at Boston Latin Academy, has been charged with rape for an alleged assault that occurred on August 15. He pleaded not guilty to the charge during an arraignment on October 13.

The incident reportedly took place at the Massachusetts State Police barracks on Martha's Vineyard. According to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, police responded to two calls around 1 a.m. on August 15 regarding a naked woman in distress on the side of a road near the barracks. The woman was transported to Martha's Vineyard Hospital, where she provided a statement to police detailing the alleged assault.

She told investigators that she had been at a bar called The Ritz with a friend when Brown approached her, allegedly groped her, and offered to buy her a drink. The alleged victim stated she remembered nothing after Brown's approach until she woke up in an unfamiliar location with him on top of her. A prosecutor stated in court that the woman woke up naked in a bed and attempted to leave but was allegedly held down by the neck by Brown, who then forced himself on her.

Following the alleged assault, the woman reported escaping the room, running down two flights of stairs, and ending up on the road where she was found by others minutes later. The woman is from Ireland and has since returned to her home country.

Brown was arrested on October 9 at Boston Latin Academy. Oak Bluffs Police Department announced the arrest. During his arraignment, prosecutors mentioned four police reports filed against Brown between March and August, including harassment complaints from two ex-girlfriends. Both women had obtained restraining orders against him, one of which remains active. Prosecutors also stated that Brown was found to be in possession of cocaine at the time of his arrest.

Brown's attorney, Anthony R. Ellison, argued that his client had no prior criminal record and maintained he was an upstanding citizen. Brown has since posted a $10,000 bond and was released with conditions including staying away from the alleged victim and witnesses, and checking in with probation. He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on December 3.

Brown has been placed on administrative leave from Boston Public Schools, where he has worked for two years with an annual salary of $117,000. He is awaiting a termination hearing.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu expressed distress over the allegations, stating the need to ensure safety and support within school communities.