Fitzgerald Park Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested, Arraigned

BOSTON, MA — A Salem man wanted in connection with a Mission Hill sexual assault was arrested this week and arraigned Thursday in Roxbury Municipal Court.

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, 32-year-old Jose Cepeda-Irizarry was held without bail for allegedly violating the conditions of his release on an earlier, unrelated case.

Cepeda-Irizarry was sought by Boston police after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in Fitzgerald Park as she was walking through it last Saturday afternoon. The man then ran away, police said.

According to the DA's office, Cepeda-Iziarry’s lawyer contacted Boston Police after they released surveillance images (above) believed to show the assailant. Cepeda-Iziarry then came forward to identify himself as the man in the images and wished to surrender, the DA's office said.

He was arraigned Thursday on charges of assault with intent to rape and indecent assault and battery.

Judge Pamela Dasheill set his bail at $20,000 and revoked his open bail related to another case, meaning Cepeda-Iziarry will be held for 60 days. He was additionally, at the prosecutor's request, barred from contact with the victim, ordered to wear a GPS monitor, and ordered to abide by a curfew if he posts bail.

He is scheduled to return to court Nov. 7.

Photo via Boston Police Department