Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John Porter indicted on child rape charges
HOPKINTON - Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John Porter has been indicted on three counts of child rape, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney.
Porter, 54, was placed on administrative leave last August without explanation.
On Monday, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced the charges, saying they're "in connection with allegedly assaulting a student while he was assigned as a school resource officer" in the town.
"The incidents allegedly occurred during 2004 and 2005 while the victim was a 15 year old student," Ryan said in a statement. "During that time the defendant allegedly assaulted the victim on multiple occasions off school property."
After Porter was placed on leave, he continued work as the head coach of the girls' varsity soccer team at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical School in Upton. His name was listed as the head coach for the 2022 season, according to their website.
Blackstone Superintendent Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick released a statement saying, "Mr. Porter, who served as the head coach of the girls' soccer team, has resigned, facing allegations in his personal life, and is no longer an employee of the District."
Porter's last official day with Hopkinton Police was last Friday, April 28, Ryan said. He had been with the department for more than 30 years. He was promoted to deputy chief in the fall of 2021.
Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Police Chief Joseph Bennett issued a joint statement Monday afternoon saying police are cooperating "fully" with the D.A.
"Porter is no longer employed by the Hopkinton Police Department. On Friday, Porter notified the town that he is seeking to retire, and the town accepted his immediate separation from employment," they wrote.
"We are deeply disturbed and troubled by these accusations. These alleged crimes have no place in our community or anywhere else, and we extend our sympathies to the victim."
A summons arraignment for Porter has been scheduled for May 9. That means he is not in custody.