BOSTON
--
A Worcester firefighter has been arrested on child rape charges.
Police said they arrested Jeremy O'Connell, 34, of 208 Perry Ave., Worcester, on Wednesday night.
O'Connell is a firefighter at the Webster Square station. He was charged with rape of a child with force and open and gross lewdness.
He pleaded not guilty and his bail was set at $35,000 at his arraignment in Worcester Central District Court Thursday.
Prosecutors said O'Connell had a prior record out of East Brookfield in 2006 where he was charged with breaking into an ex-girlfriend's Spencer residence and assaulting her then-boyfriend with a wrench.
Investigators said O'Connell knew the alleged victim, who was said to be a 7-year-old female, and two alleged assaults took place, in June 2009 and Aug. 2008.
He was ordered not to have any contact with the alleged victim.
His next court appearance was set for April 2.
The Worcester Fire Department issued a statement saying O'Connell had been placed on unpaid leave and that the department would conduct an internal investigation.
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