Haverhill School Committee Member Accused of Groping Teen

Local news

Cheryl Ferguson allegedly grabbed a teenager’s buttocks outside a 7-Eleven on Tuesday night, police said.

A Haverhill School Committee member is facing charges after allegedly groping a teenager, court records show.

Cheryl Ferguson was arraigned in Haverhill District Court on Wednesday and faces one count of assault and battery on a person 14 years of age or older. This is evident from a police report obtained by WBZ newsFerguson was arrested at her home on Tuesday evening following the alleged incident.

“You’re scary,” Ferguson allegedly told the teenage victim

WBZ said the alleged victim was standing outside a 7-Eleven on Dudley Street in Haverhill wearing a Halloween mask when Ferguson approached him and allegedly groped his buttocks. She then entered the store, but as she left, she allegedly ran her hands over the teen’s chest.

The teen’s mother reported the alleged incident to police, who arrived at Ferguson’s home for questioning later that evening. Ferguson told police she was playing Keno at the 7-Eleven and as she left the store, she poked the victim in the chest and said, “You’re scary,” WBZ News reported. Police then arrested her, court documents show.

Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and Police Chief Margaret Marotta said in a joint statement that police informed them of the allegations on Wednesday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to restrict members’ access to school buildings and are taking other precautions until further notice,” the joint statement said. “The safety of our students is our primary concern.”

They themselves declined to comment on the allegations due to their criminal nature.

Ferguson pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday. Judge Susan McNeil released Ferguson without bail, court records show. As part of her release conditions, Ferguson must follow a 9pm to 5am curfew, during which she must wear a GPS tracker. The conditions also stipulate that Ferguson may not have contact with minors.

Ferguson has a previous criminal record

Court records show Ferguson has previously been criminally charged four times.

In 2006, she was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and violating marked lanes. Those charges were later dismissed.

In 2018, she was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol for the second time. Ferguson was placed on probation. In September 2019, she pleaded not guilty to driving an uninsured vehicle. Both cases were dismissed at the Commonwealth’s request.

Later in 2019, she was charged with assault and battery. As a result, she was on probation from January 28, 2021 to April 20, 2021.

Ferguson’s representation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.