Former Amesbury Police Officer Charged With Child Rape

AMESBURY (CBS) – A former Amesbury police officer was arrested and charged with allegedly raping a child.

David Connor, 62, was arrested on Thursday and charged with aggravated rape and abuse of a child, indecent exposure, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, and three counts of possession of child pornography.

Connor worked for the Amesbury Police Department from 1977 to 1991 and reached the rank of sergeant before leaving the force.

Police said an investigation began in August 2014 after the young victim, who is known to Connor, came with their parents to speak with officers about the alleged abuse.

The victim told police Connor had abused them repeatedly over several years, beginning when the child was as young as four years old.

Officers then received a warrant and searched Connor's home, seizing phones and computers.

"This is a tragic situation where the suspect is accused of horrific acts against a child," Amesbury Police Chief Kevin Ouellet said. "I want to acknowledge the work of the Amesbury Police Department during this investigation. We will continue to work collaboratively until justice is served in this case."

Connor is scheduled to be arraigned in Newburyport District Court on Thursday.