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Veteran Police Officer Charged With Molesting Boy

GARDNER (CBS) – Larry Landry, a 14 year veteran police officer, now finds himself in handcuffs.

He's facing three felonies for allegedly raping a young boy.

Prosecutors say the boy, "Had been sexually molested by this defendant over a period of time from when he was in kindergarten up until the sixth grade."

That boy, now a teenager, is a child Landry knows well and has had contact with for several years. The boy described graphic sexual encounters to police.

WBZ-TV's Lauren Leamanczyk reports

Landry is fighting the charges.

Landry's lawyer, Martin Kallio says, the "Allegations are outrageous. He denies them vociferously. He feels his innocence will be proven."

As a member of the Gardner police force, Landry rose to the rank of sergeant and worked with kids as a leader on the Police Explorers program. He's not accused of any misconduct with that group.

The chief of police here in Gardner isn't talking about the case. Landry's on leave until the court proceedings run their course."

Landry is described as a family man by his lawyer. Some of that family came to support him in court. They wouldn't talk afterwards.

But appear to be standing by his side.

Landry is separated from his wife but has a child and two step-children who neighbors see at his home all the time.

Landry's lawyer says he remains in good spirits and determined to fight.

"He's obviously concerned about his family," says Kallio. "He's a devoted family man and will continue to be so for the rest of his life."

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