A law enforcement officer from Gardner city was presented before a court yesterday, facing accusations of child molestation, according to information from the Worcester Telegram.
Larry J. Landry, aged 35, stands accused of multiple charges, including statutory sexual assault involving a minor, inappropriate assault and battery on a child under 14, and assault with intent to rape a minor.
Landry is currently detained in Worcester County Jail with bail set at either $50,000 in cash or $500,000 with a surety bond.
He did not enter a formal plea and is scheduled to return for a pre-trial hearing on October 5.
Brian D’Andrea, the Assistant District Attorney, informed the court that Landry was apprehended on Monday following a report from a young individual to Gardner police claiming to have been molested by him.
According to the charges, the alleged abuse transpired in Winchendon over a period starting when the boy was in kindergarten and continuing until he was in sixth grade.
Upon being made aware of these accusations, Landry voluntarily surrendered himself to the Gardner Police Department.
Following his arrest, he has been placed on paid administrative leave, as confirmed by Chief Neil Erickson.
D’Andrea advocated for a high bail amount, arguing that the serious nature of the charges makes Landry a significant flight risk.
Conversely, Martin B. Kallio Jr., the attorney representing Landry, contended for a lesser bail amount. He noted that his client is 35 years old, estranged from his spouse, and a father to children aged 16, 11, and 6.
Kallio Jr. added that Landry has been serving in the police force for 14 years, a tenure he described as honorable, and even held an acting sergeant position for several months.
Post-hearing, Kallio Jr. told the Worcester Telegram that his client firmly rejects all the accusations.
“He vehemently denies these profoundly serious allegations,” he stated.
