Mass. Trooper Suspended After Sex Assault Charges
WORCESTER (AP) — Massachusetts State Police have indefinitely suspended without pay a state trooper who was indicted last week on sexual assault charges.
State police said in a statement the action on Jason Willard's case was taken after a duty status hearing at state police headquarters on Monday.
The Worcester District Attorney's office said Friday that 38-year-old Willard, of Auburn, was indicted on three counts of indecent assault and battery and two counts of open and gross lewdness involving an 18-year-old girl four years ago.
State police spokesman David Procopio said the alleged incidents took place while Willard was off-duty.
Willard is to be arraigned Sept. 21 in Worcester Superior Court. A telephone listing for Willard couldn't be found. It's not known who is representing him.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
