Newton Firefighter Allegedly Tried to Skirt Assault Charge with Job
A Newton firefighter allegedly beat and threatened to kill his girlfriend Thursday, and then tried to rely on his job to protect him from prosecution, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Lee Gilliam, 33, faces charges of assault and battery on a family or household member, kidnapping, and threatening to commit a crime, authorities said.
On Thursday, a woman came into the Newton Police Department to report that she had been the victim of domestic violence. She told police her boyfriend, Gilliam, went to her workplace in Waltham, where he punched her several times and put her in his car. When the victim woke up, she was in the car with Gilliam who continued to physically abuse her, according to the DA’s office. When the couple returned to their Newton apartment, the victim sought help once Gilliam fell asleep, authorities said.
“This case concerns allegations about a frightening level of physical violence as well as threats,’’ District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement. “And of particular concern in this case, is a statement the suspect allegedly made about how he could rely on his job as a firefighter to protect him from prosecution.’’
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