LEOMINSTER, Mass. — A custodian at Leominster Public Schools has been charged with aggravated rape of a student, authorities and school officials announced Tuesday.
Christopher A. Zayas, 32, of Leominster, was arraigned by video conference Tuesday in Leominster District Court.
Zayas pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated rape and three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, according to the Worcester County District Attorney's office.
Judge Christopher LoConto set bail at $5,000, lower than the $25,000 bail that had been requested by prosecutors.
LoConto ordered Zayas to stay away from and have no contact with the victim; have no unsupervised contact with children under 16; report in person to the probation department twice a week; and not leave Massachusetts without permission from the probation department.
In a letter to parents, Leominster Public Schools Superintendent Paula Deacon said the custodian has been fired, and that Leominster Police informed school officials of the arrest.
"While we believe this is an isolated incident, these allegations are both disturbing and unacceptable," Deacon said. "The employee is no longer actively employed by the district."
Later Tuesday, a man who answered the door at a house address given for Zayas by authorities said he does not live there.
Jim Newell, a parent of two children who attend school in Leominster, said he's worried and angry how this news has been handled.
“I feel as though the school department and city officials dropped the ball letting someone in there. I don’t know what his past record is and all that as far as not protecting our children," Newell told Boston 25 News.
Further details on the alleged incident were not released. Parents are angry that information regarding the alleged rape is scarce and too vague.
“Was the gentleman actually CORI checked? That’s the question," said grandparent Tim Daley. ”I don’t know what else to say. It’s kind of startling to hear that he was working amongst the kids.”
The Sentinel and Enterprise reports that the custodian worked at the Samoset Middle School.
Deacon said school safety is a priority.
"While we are prohibited from disclosing confidential personnel information, safety is always our top priority and we strive every day to make sure our students are learning and thriving in safe, welcoming and supportive schools," Deacon said. "Our primary concern is to provide any and all support to the victim of this disturbing situation. All questions and concerns can be directed to the Leominster Police."
Zayas is due back in court on April 11.
Cox Media Group
