Marc Fortier

Boston IRS Agent Pleads Not Guilty to Raping Intern

A Boston-based Internal Revenue Service agent who was indicted last month on multiple charges after allegedly raping an intern last summer faced a judge Thursday morning.

James Clarke, 44, was charged with aggravated rape, indecent assault, battery and other charges in relation to an incident on July 26, 2017, when he allegedly invited a 21-year-old intern for drinks after work.

According to the Suffolk County district attorney, he offered her a ride home in his IRS-issued vehicle, but instead, Clarke handcuffed the woman while parked in a garage, assaulted her with his service firearm and forced her to engage in sexual acts.

He left her at South Station, where she called the police and was taken to a hospital.

At his arraignment Thursday at Suffolk Superior Court, Clarke pleaded not guilty to the charges.

"He denies the allegations," Clarke's attorney, Michael Doolin, said after court. "It's our contention that this is a consensual act."

Clarke was released on personal recognizance. He is due back in court May 9 for a pretrial conference.

The IRS would not comment on Clarke's employment, but said the agency was taking the "disturbing" allegations seriously.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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