Former Teacher Larry Chen Charged With Raping Student In Brookline School Between 2016 And 2018

BROOKLINE (CBS) -- A former teacher in Brookline is accused of repeatedly raping a student between 2016 and 2018. Larry Chen, 36, was arraigned on 54 charges Tuesday.

According to Brookline police, Chen taught the victim social studies. The alleged sexual assault began when the victim was in sixth grade and continued through the end of her seventh-grade year.

"The defendant asked the victim to come to his classroom after school, which she did," prosecutor Brittany Carney said. "While there, the victim reported that the defendant locked the door behind her and when the victim sat down in a chair, the defendant began to touch the victim on her shoulders, her chest and in between her legs."

Chen worked as a teacher at Heath and Driscoll Schools between September 2013 and 2018. He also tutors on the side and was a seasonal employee with the Brookline recreation department last summer.

In 2015, Chen was fired for using a swear word but then allowed to return to the classroom after students and parents rallied around him.

After court Chen's parents came to his defense. "He's got a good reputation in the town and this is just not fair," Chen's mother said.

Chen now faces 54 charges including 18 counts of aggravated statutory rape, rape of the on a child under 16 and indecent assault and battery of a person under 14.

After appearing before a judge Tuesday, he was held overnight pending a GPS tracking device and $10,000 cash bail. Chen was also ordered to stay away from the victim and not tutor or teach anyone under the age of 18.

He is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on May 16.

Brookline Superintendent Linus Guillory said in a statement, "While the judicial process plays out, we are nonetheless deeply concerned by these allegations and are committed to providing our full cooperation with the investigation into these charges. We were made aware of these allegations today after the Brookline Police Department began investigating a report made by an individual. Our paramount concern is always the safety and well-being of our students, and school counselors are available to students as needed to provide support. We have shared additional resources with PSB families."