Rockland school employee arrested on child enticement charge

A Rockland school employee was arrested for allegedly enticing a child under the age of 16, according to a statement from East Bridgewater Police.

According to officials, Peter Tolan, 58, a custodian at John W. Rogers Middle School, allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to a detective posing as a 15-year-old on a social media app.

Tolan allegedly agreed to meet what he thought was a 15-year-old girl at an East Bridgewater residence for a sexual encounter later that night.

Members of the East Bridgewater police department proceeded to the agreed upon location and arrested Tolan when he entered the parking lot.

A search of Tolan’s phone found messages that matched those sent to the undercover officer earlier in the day.

It was discovered Tolan was an employee of a nearby school district during the booking process. Police officers made contact with the school and informed officials that Tolan was issued a verbal no trespass order.

Justin Pratt, a nearby student, expressed shock at the developing story.

“Has me shaken right now,” said Pratt. “It can happen to anyone especially something like this.”

According to a statement by Rockland Public Schools, Tolan has been placed on leave pending the outcome of his criminal case.

Boston 25 reporter Brea Douglas tried to speak to Tolan at his house. Although the lights of the residence were on inside, no one came to answer Douglas’ repeated knocks at the door.

Tolan also served as a ticket seller for the Boston Red Sox. The ballclub told Boston 25 that he has been suspended without pay from his position.

Tolan was released on $500 bail and arraigned in Brockton District Court Monday. Tolan was ordered to have no contact with minors, is prohibited from using social media, applying for a job within a school system, is ordered to stay away from Rockland Public Schools and cannot leave the state.

A pre-trial hearing is set for November 30.

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