Alleged Child Rapist's Attorney Files Motion to Dismiss Charges

An alleged child rapist's attorney filed a motion in Middlesex Superior Court on Wednesday to have the charges dismissed, according the criminal docket obtained by Melrose Patch at the courthouse's criminal clerk's office on Friday.

Charles Bookman, attorney for Francis A. Watt, 68, filed the request after the deadline to file such a motion was extended on Nov. 3 to Dec. 1, according to the docket.

The request to dismiss the charges will be discussed at a court hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

Watt was arraigned in June in Middlesex Superior Court on charges including aggravated rape of a child, rape of a child with force and two counts of assault to rape a child.

According to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, the first victim, now an adult, was between the ages of 3-14 when she was allegedly abused by Watt. That victim suspected that Watt was also abusing his 12-year-old autistic granddaughter and videotaped the alleged abuse before going to the . According to the DA's Office, when interviewed by police, Watt admitted to abusing the second victim.

After his arraignment on June 15, Watt posted $15,000 bail on July 2 and has remained under house arrest, only leaving his home at 38 Beaumont St. in Melrose for court, doctor's appointments, attorney visits, and to visit his ill brother in Bourne, the last condition granted by Judge Leila Kern .

In addition to GPS monitoring via an ankle bracelet, Watt is free on bail on the conditions that he have no contact with the alleged victims; no contact with potential witnesses; and no contact with children under the age of 16.

The case is scheduled to go to trial on April 5, 2011.