The Massachusetts State Police has suspended two troopers in connection with a sexual assault investigation at the department's barracks on Martha's Vineyard.
Last week, 27-year-old Edward J. Brown, an assistant security director for Boston Public Schools, was arrested for the alleged rape in Oak Bluffs in August.
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police said Troopers Ryan Costello and Robert Branca have been suspended with pay.
Prosecutors say Costello was working on the island and allowed Brown, his college friend, to stay the night with him.
Police say a passing motorist found a woman naked in the street outside the barracks and brought her to the hospital. The woman told police she was raped by Brown at the barracks.
According to state police, the alleged assault occurred in temporary housing available to a small number of troopers assigned to the island for the summer, and is located in a separate building than the barracks.
Brown pleaded not guilty to one count of rape in Dukes County Court last week. His defense attorney told the judge he is presumed innocent and in the police affidavit, the alleged victim said she did not want to pursue charges.
Brown, who has worked for Boston Public Schools for the past two years, has been placed on administrative leave. He is due back in court in December.
A state police spokesperson said the incident remains the subject of a criminal investigation and an internal affairs investigation. Sources tell the I-Team investigators have seized cellphones.
After the incident, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble prohibited overnight guests at the temporary housing units used by troopers during seasonal assignments on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
In a statement, Col. Noble called the allegations "deeply troubling."
"The Massachusetts State Police are fully cooperating with the ongoing criminal investigation and conducting an internal review of applicable policies, visitor authorization procedures and compliance with established requirements," said Col. Noble. "I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and accountability at all State Police facilities and ensuring that any identified deficiencies are addressed with appropriate corrective action."
