Woman accused of rape of child

Woman accused of rape of child

Worcester (MA) Telegram and Gazette ^ | 6/18/09 | Croteau et al

Posted on 6/18/2009 2:20:31 PM by pabianice

Boy, then 13, in ’05 allegation

UXBRIDGE — A 45-year-old Whitinsville woman was arraigned yesterday on four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and six counts of statutory rape of a child.

The boy was 13 years old when the rapes allegedly occurred in 2005.

Police arrested Linda M. Mayotte, of 67 Laura Lane, Tuesday afternoon on a warrant issued by Uxbridge District Court after a two-week investigation.

She was arrested at her house and was charged in court yesterday with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct for her behavior during the arrest.

At the brief morning arraignment before Judge Paul A. Losapio in Uxbridge District Court, Assistant District Attorney Robert Pellegrini said the boy was well-known to the defendant and that “various sexual acts” took place between Feb. 1 and June 1, 2005.

Three children have been living at Ms. Mayotte’s home, a 16-month-old and two teenagers. The state Department of Children and Families has taken custody of the children, according to authorities. It appears the alleged victim lived in her home, according to authorities who spoke in court.

Ms. Mayotte, who appeared in court with a bandage on her head, pleaded not guilty. Mr. Pellegrini said she may have tried to harm herself at the time of the arrest.

Lawyer Betsy J. Choate of Douglas represented Ms. Mayotte. She said the boy did not tell police about the matter until recently, when he was being questioned about a theft.

Ms. Mayotte has a bachelor’s degree in theology and is a part-time Avon sales representative, according to Ms. Choate.

Ms. Choate said a gun was allegedly involved in some way during the arrest, but no further details were provided in court.

“She feels she’s suicidal,” Ms. Choate said. “She has expressed that she does want to go a hospital and get some help.”

Judge Losapio set bail at $2,500, and ordered the defendant to have no contact with the boy.

Ms. Mayotte’s husband, Joseph Mayotte, was scrambling to post the cash bail after the court proceedings. If Ms. Mayotte does post bail, Judge Losapio said she must wear a GPS device.

Mr. Mayotte told a reporter to “get lost” when asked to comment. Ms. Choate also refused to comment.