WESTFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Westfield man who works with young children has been arrested for allegedly exposing himself to women at a park.
Police say 29-year-old Martin O'Connell was charged earlier this month with open and gross lewdness after he allegedly drove up to two women at Stanley Park, called them to his vehicle to ask for directions, and exposed himself.
He has been released on $40 bail after pleading not guilty. He's also been barred from the park.
O'Connell works as a paraprofessional at a city school, working with children with autism ages 3 to 5.
School officials say he has been suspended pending the outcome of the case.
His mother, a city councilor, says her son is loved, and the case is a "family matter" that will be decided in court.