SALEM – Report from Essex County District Attorney’s Office – A 54-year old Lynn man, who allegedly raped a female acquaintance and then set her house on fire was ordered held without bail at his arraignment in Lynn District Court today. Judge Michael Patten also revoked his bail in two open cases involving the same victim. A dangerousness hearing is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2017.
Michael Comeau was charged with Attempted Murder; Aggravated Rape; Assault to commit a felony; Attempt to commit a crime; Assault & Battery in violation of a abuse prevention order; Assault & Battery causing serious bodily injury; Breaking & Entering in the Nighttime for a felony; Violation of a Restraining Order (3 counts); Mayhem; and Arson of a Dwelling.
Essex Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Tsingos told the court that at approximately 8:20 last evening, Lynn Police were dispatched to 47 Glenwood Road for a reported sexual assault where the male suspect fled, had possibly set the house on fire and was armed with a knife. Upon arrival, officers were flagged down by a neighbor, who was the 911 caller. She told officers that she answered her door and found the naked female victim bleeding from head and face at her door. The female victim told officers that Michael Comeau was trying to kill her and that he had set the house on fire. Lynn Firefighters located Comeau inside the house.
ADA Tsingos had moved the revoke the defendant’s bail on Tuesday after he violated a judge’s order to stay away from the victim, following his arraignment for assault & battery on Monday. The judge issued a restraining order to the victim and released the defendant. Lynn Police were called to the victim’s home two times the following day for reports that the defendant had violated the restraining order. In both cases, police were unable to locate him and issued arrest warrants.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He is represented by Attorney Ray Buso.
