Community Corner

Man Charged with Sexual Assault on Esplanade

UPDATE, MONDAY, 1:30 p.m.: The Boston Globe reported Barthel pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent assault and battery in Charlestown District Court Monday and bail was set at $100,000.

Barthel is due back in court Aug. 2, according to the Globe.

ORIGINAL STORY: Massachusetts State Police were patrolling the Esplanade early Sunday morning and  interrupted an apparent sexual assault.

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Officers observed this incident by the Longfellow Bridge at about 1 a.m. Two troopers arrested Joseph Barthel, 49, and charged him with indecent assault and battery. Barthel will be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court tomorrow.

In a press release from the District Attorney’s office, this incident does not appear to be linked to the well-publicized series of unsolved sexual assaults on the Esplanade, which involve a suspect who does not match this defendant's description. 

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Nonetheless, investigators will compare the facts and circumstances to unsolved attacks to determine if there are any links. 

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