A Massachusetts man, identified as Hernan Villagran Lux, 29, has been arrested and charged with criminal harassment following numerous alleged encounters with female employees at a state park near Boston. The accusations detail months of unsettling behavior, including public nudity and oil-covered workouts, which left employees fearful to work in the area.
Mobilized by reports from multiple women and park workers, Massachusetts State Police arrested Lux on Sunday evening on the Cochituate Rail Trail. Prosecutors stated that Lux repeatedly approached and stared at the women in a manner described as "unnerving and frankly terrifying," refusing to leave despite repeated requests.
One of the accusers reported over 50 encounters with Lux over the past two months. The alleged behavior escalated, with prosecutors detailing an incident where Lux reportedly stripped to his underwear, covered himself in cooking oil, and began exercising near the staff area. He is also accused of complimenting an employee's appearance and refusing to leave as workers abandoned their post due to feeling unsafe.
Social media posts across several Massachusetts communities corroborated the allegations, with residents reporting sightings of a man matching Lux's distinctive mime-like appearance. Some users claimed the man had approached or followed them on the Cochituate Rail Trail.
During his court appearance earlier this week, Lux reportedly fainted as the charges were being read aloud. He was treated on the scene before proceedings resumed. A judge subsequently ordered Lux to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.
Lux, of Framingham, faces criminal harassment charges related to these incidents at Cochituate State Park. The case has drawn attention from local residents, with some expressing concern and confusion over the alleged actions.