BOSTON — A Boston man with multiple convictions for violent crimes dating back to 2005 is accused of grabbing and groping an MBTA bus driver, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said Thursday.
Michael Vandenbroeke, 41, of Jamaica Plain, was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, assault and battery on a public employee, and disorderly conduct on a public conveyance.
Prosecutors said the indecent assault was captured on the bus’s surveillance video.
Judge Paul Treseler ordered Vandenbroeke held on a $500 bail following his arraignment Monday in Boston Municipal Court. Vandenbroeke is due back in court on April 21 for a pre-trial hearing.
On March 26, officers met with an MBTA bus driver who stated that a man, later identified as Vandenbroeke, had sexually assaulted her upon boarding the bus at the Massachusetts Avenue and Washington Street Silver Line stop.
The victim said that between 11 a.m. and noon, Vandenbroeke boarded the bus and picked up a bottle of perfume that she had dropped.
As Vandenbroeke went to hand her the perfume bottle, he grabbed her face, poked her in the eye, placed his hand on her chest, and groped her breast.
The victim told investigators that she moved Vandenbroeke’s hand away and yelled at him.
Vandenbroeke then sat at the back of the bus and got off a few stops later.
Officers distributed still images of Vandenbroeke. He was subsequently identified and arrested on March 30 at the Nubian Square station.
“The women and men who operate MBTA buses and trains are instrumental in transporting our workers, consumers, visitors and students throughout the metro Boston area day in and day out and they deserve our praise and our gratitude. An incident like this is an intolerable affront on them and on everyone who uses public transportation,” Hayden said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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