Teacher's assistant accused of raping student

A North Reading special education teacher's assistant is charged with three counts aggravated rape of a child, Middlesex D.A. Gerry Leone announced on Wednesday.

John Comeiro, 24, of North Reading was arrested Tuesday night.

Comeiro works at the Timony Grammar School in Methuen. The victim in this case is a student at the school, but did not attend any of Comeiro's classes. The Eagle-Tribune reports the victim is 13-years old.

According to the D.A.'s office, Comeiro raped the girl multiple times between September 25 and October 2. "The defendant violated the trust bestowed on him as a member of a school's faculty," Leone said, "We allege the defendant used his position of power and authority to heighten the child victim's personal comfort level and subsequently took advantage of her and violated her."

Comeiro was arraigned Wednesday morning. He is being held on $5,000 cash bail.

After Comeiro's arrest, the school's principal, Timothy Miller, sent a letter home with students at the Timony School:

"I am writing this letter to make you aware of an alleged incident that occurred involving a staff member at the Timony Grammar School. The incident was dealt with by Timony Administrators quickly and efficiently. The Methuen Police Department was informed immediately and is currently dealing with the incident and investigation… Please understand that the staff member involved with these incidents has been placed on administrative leave and will not be on the school premises. We will continue to be vigilant in keeping your children safe while they are at school."

Comeiro has been a teacher at the school for five years. He is due back in court on November 2.