Convicted Child Rapist Allegedly Attacks Two Women at Massachusetts Planet Fitness
Laquan Holland, who had a recent charge dismissed on the condition he register as a sex offender, is now held without bail after the incident.
A convicted child rapist is accused of attacking two women inside a Planet Fitness locker room in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Oct. 1. Laquan Holland, 40, allegedly brought a woman to the gym to use the showers, then assaulted her and a female employee who attempted to intervene.
According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Holland allegedly beat the woman, attempted to remove her clothing, and blocked her escape within the women's locker room. When an employee entered the shower area to help, Holland allegedly sexually assaulted her as well.
Police arrived at the scene to find Holland attempting to dress himself in the locker room. He was subsequently arrested and ordered held without bail. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf at his arraignment.
Hollans faces charges including two counts of assault to rape, two counts of indecent assault and battery, kidnapping, and witness intimidation.
Prosecutors confirmed that a charge of failing to register as a sex offender against Holland was dismissed weeks prior to the incident, on the condition that he complete his registration. Court records cited by Boston.com indicate Holland has a history of convictions, including guilty pleas in 2006 for two counts of child rape and one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.
More recently, Cambridge police arrested Holland on Aug. 25 for failing to register as a sex offender. He had shown up at the police station to register but was arrested for being late. The charge was later dismissed after he completed the registration process on Aug. 27.
Holland is described as homeless and known to frequent Cambridge and Boston. He is required to complete sex offender registration and verification every 30 days.
A dangerousness hearing is scheduled for Oct. 16.
Planet Fitness issued a statement saying the franchise operator has canceled Holland's membership and is cooperating with law enforcement. "Planet Fitness is committed to providing a safe environment for all. The franchise group has cancelled the membership of the individual involved and is working with local law enforcement to support their investigation into this matter," the company said.