Crime

Chelsea School Committee member charged with enticing and raping a child

Henry D. Wilson, 56, was arraigned on Tuesday at Chelsea District Court.

Henry D. Wilson pleaded guilty to raping a 12-year-old. Chelsea Public Schools

August 10, 2021

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Chelsea School Committee member Henry D. Wilson is accused of enticing and raping a 12-year-old Chelsea Public School student, according to court records.

Wilson, 56, was arraigned on Tuesday at Chelsea District Court where he is being charged with the rape of a child aggravated by a 10-year difference in age and enticing a child under 16. The Boston Globe reported he pleaded not guilty.

A $50,000 cash bail was set by Judge Matthew Machera, according to the court documents.

Machera issued an order preventing Wilson from unsupervised interaction with any children under 18 and no employment with any organization involving children.

Statement Regarding School Committee Member Allegations: pic.twitter.com/XvNYlT84WM
— Chelsea Schools (@CPS_Chelsea) August 10, 2021

Chelsea Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Almi Abeyta sent out a letter to parents regarding Wilson’s “inappropriate relationship with a student.” In the letter, she assured parents that Wilson is prohibited from visiting all CPS campuses and contacting any CPS students.

Wilson has been on the Committee since 2019, according to the group’s website. His biography also says he previously was a youth mentor and served on the Chelsea Planning Board and Zoning Board.

Wilson was first contacted by Chelsea Police yesterday, where he was told he was involved in a criminal investigation and was requested to speak with investigators at the Chelsea Police Department, court records said.

Wilson was placed into custody following the interview.

According to the Globe, the judge reported that the alleged crime was recorded on video, and Wilson made incriminating statements.