MALDEN, MASS. (WHDH) - A para-professional at Malden High School was charged in connection with the sexual assault of a student with special needs.
Steven MacDonald, 46 of Malden, was arraigned in court Tuesday. He was charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a disabled person and one count of assault with intent to rape.
MacDonald allegedly assaulted the student while he was an employee of the high school. Beginning in September 2015, MacDonald began working in the 16-year-old victim’s classroom.
The District Attorney said MacDonald would bring the victim to the bathroom to assist him. During this time, it is alleged MacDonald repeatedly raped the victim. MacDonald also allegedly bribed the student with candy to go into the bathroom . Prosecutors said MacDonald would threaten to go to the victim’s home and kill his mother if the victim did not comply with MacDonald’s demands.
Police said the student eventually told his mother in March and she called police. MacDonald was immediately put on leave. The student has not been back to school since.
MacDonald was released on personal recognizance and was ordered to stay away from and have no direct or indirect contact with the victim and his family, as well as any children. His attorney denied the accusations, calling the victim’s account “incredible and unbelievable.”
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