Massachusetts

Former Newburyport City Councilor Facing Child Rape, Child Porn Charges

A former city councilor and school committee member in a Massachusetts community was ordered held without bail today on child rape and child pornography charges.

A not gulty plea was entered on Bert Reed’s behalf in Newburyport District Court. He’s facing multiple charges including child rape and possesion of child pornography.

Authorities say last summer, the 42 year old met a male teenager on-line, and engaged in what's being called, "three separate sex acts." The victim's parents found out recently and reported Reed immediately to police. After an investigation, he was arrested Friday evening.

Reed worked as a custodian at Gordon College in Wenham. The school sent out a statement Monday that reads in part,"we were shocked and deeply troubled to learn of the allegations against him. The College has not been contacted by authorities. He has been suspended from his employment."

Reed also served on the Newburyport City Council and School Committee more than a decade ago. Mayor Donna Holaday says she barely knew him.

"Never was employed by the City after that," says Mayor Holaday.

Today, a judge ordered that Reed stay away and have no contact with the victim.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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