Haverhill school board member accused of groping teenage girl

Local news

Police said Cheryl Ferguson grabbed the teenager’s buttocks outside a 7-Eleven on Tuesday night.

Court records show a Haverhill School Committee member faces charges after allegedly groping a teenager.

On Wednesday, Cheryl Ferguson appeared in Haverhill District Court and was charged with one count of indecent assault and battery on a person aged 14 or over. According to the police report obtained, among others, WBZ NewsFerguson was arrested at her home Tuesday evening following the alleged incident.

“You’re scary,” Ferguson allegedly told the teenage victim

WBZ says the alleged victim was standing outside the 7-Eleven on Dudley Street in Haverhill wearing a Halloween mask when Ferguson approached him and allegedly groped his buttocks. She then went into the store, but when she came out again, she allegedly ran her hands over the teen’s chest.

The teenager’s mother reported the alleged incident to police, who arrived at Ferguson’s home later that evening for questioning. Ferguson told police she was playing Keno at 7-Eleven and as she was leaving the store, she poked the victim in the chest and said, “You’re scary,” WBZ News reported. Police arrested her, according to court documents.

In a joint statement, Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and Superintendent Margaret Marotta said police informed them of the allegations on Wednesday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to restrict members’ access to the school grounds and are taking other precautions until further notice,” the joint statement read. “The safety of our students is our most important concern.”

They declined to comment on the allegations themselves due to their criminal nature.

On Wednesday, Ferguson pleaded not guilty in court. Court documents show Judge Susan McNeil released Ferguson without bail. As part of his release conditions, Ferguson must observe a 9pm to 5am curfew, during which he must wear a GPS tracking device. The conditions also stipulate that Ferguson must have no contact with minors.

Ferguson already has a criminal record

Court records show Ferguson has previously faced criminal charges four times.

In 2006, she was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and violating designated traffic lanes. These charges were later dismissed.

In 2018, she was charged with a second offense of driving under the influence of alcohol. Ferguson was placed on probation. In September 2019, she pleaded not guilty to driving an uninsured vehicle. Both cases were dismissed at the request of the Republic of Poland.

Later in 2019, she was charged with assault and battery. As a result, she was on probation from January 28, 2021 to April 20, 2021.

Ferguson’s representative office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Eva Levin is a general assignment co-op for Boston.com. Covering breaking and local news from Boston and beyond.

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