A Maynard firefighter was arrested on sexual assault charges on Wednesday.
Anthony Tyler, 44, was arraigned in Concord District Court in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a now 18-year-old man, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. Tyler was charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.
According to investigators, Tyler allegedly sexually assaulted the victim from 2002 until 2006, beginning when the victim was 14. Police said the alleged abuse happened at Tyler's Maynard home and in his car in Acton and Sudbury. Investigators said Tyler and the victim knew each other prior to the alleged assaults.
Meanwhile, members of the Maynard Fire Department said they are in shock.
"It ranges from total shock to sadness. Some of the guys on the force don't know what to say," said Maynard Fire Chief Stephen Kulik.
Tyler has been employed as a firefighter for Maynard since 1987.
"Some feel angry; some feel sad. A lot of them aren't even talking about it," Kulik said.
Tyler is married with two children, ages 14 and 20.
"We have never had any suspicions. We don't know. We haven't talked to the victim's parents at this point, and certainly our hearts go out them," said Tyler's neighbor, Mark Chafel.
Tyler pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. The judge said Tyler could not have any contact with the alleged victim or the alleged victim's family, as well as no unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16. He also must continue mental health treatment. Tyler was also told to stay away from Maynard.
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