What to Know
- Andrew LeColst, 39, of Middleton, Massachusetts was indicted on multiple child rape charges.
- The suspect was a high school hockey coach when he allegedly assaulted the victim, who was between the ages of 13 and 15 at the time.
- He was released on $5,000 cash bail.
A Massachusetts firefighter pleaded not guilty Monday to accusations that he allegedly raped a child during his time as an assistant high school hockey coach.
Andrew LeColst, 39, of Middleton and his attorney declined to comment as they left Salem Superior Court following his arraignment on one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and three counts rape on a child.
The allegations stem from his time as an assistant hockey coach at Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford, Massachusetts between 2003 and 2005. The victim was between the ages of 13 and 15, according to the Essex District Attorney's Office.
An Essex County grand jury indicted LeColst on Aug. 22.
Middleton's town administrator, Andrew Sheehan, said LeColst has been placed on paid leave.
"Certainly, it's something that we never like to see happen with any employee or any resident," Sheehan said. "We'll do some investigation on our own. Really, this will be a district attorney investigation. We'll allow that process to play out."
LeColst was hired as a Middleton firefighter in 2008 and he worked as an EMT at times. He was released on $5,000 cash bail and ordered to stay away from the victim and two witnesses.
He is scheduled to return to court in October.
