Man arrested in connection with alleged sexual assault in the Boston Public Garden held without bail

BOSTON — A Chelsea man is accused of kidnapping, and sexually assaulting a woman in the Boston Public Garden on November 8. Boston Police arrested 38-year-old Francisco Romero early Wednesday after an image and later, a surveillance video of him was released as police sought help from the public.

In court, Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Colleen O’Neill read from several police reports detailing witness accounts related to the assault and aftermath.

One report stated that the alleged victim told police she had been drinking alcohol at a party on Tyler Street, made her way to Charles Street, and tried to call for a ride home.

Court papers read by O’Neill said the woman was approached by a suspect who said he would help her get home, put his arm around her, walked her into the Public Garden then picked her up. He carried her on his shoulder, and took her to an area near a dumpster, according to officials.

He allegedly threw her onto the ground then assaulted her.

“I think it’s terrifying,” said Sarah Dale, a Beacon Hill resident who frequently walks through the Public Garden.

The suspect was said to be about 5′8′' wearing a Red Sox hat and a yellow sweatshirt, and later fled toward Tremont Street, the paperwork said.

After the assault, O’Neill said the woman sought help from several men standing in the area, and one called police.

After Boston Police shared images and video of the suspect, a person “known to the commonwealth” called detectives, O’Neill said. The victim used a photo array and identified Romero based on his skin tone and facial hair.

Romero’s defense attorney, Mike Reinhardt raised questions about the identity of the suspect as he was initially described as possibly being of Indian descent, while his client is Latino. Reinhardt also questioned another witness account that was based on the color of the suspect’s sweatshirt.

The judge ordered prosecutors to turn over most of the evidence to the defense in the case including videos and still images, and also the name of the accuser.

A plea of not guilty was entered on behalf of Romero who was also held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. November 25 at Boston Municipal Courthouse.

The court paperwork was impounded by court order so it could not be reviewed following Romero’s arraignment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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