A man who lives at a hotel housing migrant families in Rockland is charged with the rape of a child.
Cory Alvarez, 26, pleaded not guilty in Hingham District Court on one count of aggravated rape of a child. He is being held in jail ahead of a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday.
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security source confirmed to the Herald that they had placed an immigration detainer on Alvarez.
State Representative David DeCoste, who represents Rockland, said in a statement, “I am absolutely appalled by the incident that took place in Rockland today. Above all, my heartfelt sympathies extend to the young girl who has reportedly been subjected to abuse. The Commonwealth has failed this young girl.”
Rockland Police responded to the Comfort Inn at 850 Hingham St., where Alvarez lives, for a report of a sexual assault Tuesday a little after 7 p.m., according to the Plymouth District Attorney’s office. That hotel is part of the federal and state program to house migrant families, according to prosecutors.
The police say the 15-year-old girl who Alvarez alleged raped was taken to South Shore Hospital for treatment.
“This is an absolute nightmare scenario for this young girl and her family,” said MassGOP Chairwoman, Amy Carnevale.
“I earnestly pray for her strength and resilience in the face of this appalling ordeal,” she added. “I acknowledge the presence of well-intentioned and compassionate residents of Massachusetts who would like for the state to provide refuge for migrants during times of exigency.
“However,” she continued, “it is imperative to discern between appropriate and inappropriate methods of addressing this endeavor. The recent incident exemplifies our state’s struggle to effectively manage the migrant crisis, and the influx of additional migrants may exacerbate the likelihood of such distressing occurrences. There is a pressing need to revisit and amend the legislation pertaining to the right to shelter.”
