Haverhill School Committee Member Groped Teen Boy Outside 7-Eleven and Called Him a ‘Creep,’ Police Say

A Haverhill School Committee member is accused of assault and battery on a teenager, according to documents filed in Haverhill District Court.

Cheryl Ferguson was indicted on charges of sexual assault and battery on persons 14 or older after she was arrested for allegedly groping a costumed teen outside a 7-Eleven Tuesday night.

According to a filed police report, the mother of a teenage boy told police her son was standing outside the convenience store on Dudley Street around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday wearing a Halloween mask when Ferguson allegedly walked up to him and groped his buttocks.

Ferguson allegedly went to 7-Eleven before going out again and touching the teen’s chest, commenting, “Oh, you have nipples.” The teenager allegedly told Ferguson to walk away, but he responded by calling him a “creep.”

Police say the teen then went home and told his mother about the incident.

When police responded to her home, Ferguson told officers she was at the 7-Eleven to play Keno and that as she left she poked the teen’s chest while saying, “You’re scary.” Ferguson was subsequently arrested.

After being arraigned on Tuesday, Ferguson was released on personal recognizance on Wednesday and ordered to stay away from the teen or anyone under the age of 16. She was ordered to wear a GPS tracking device and operate under a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m

Furgueson’s access to the school grounds will be restricted.

“Today we were informed that the Haverhill Police Department has filed charges against a School Committee member,” Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and Superintendent Margaret Marotta said in a joint statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to limit member access to school buildings and are taking other precautions until further notice. “

According to the Haverhill Public School website and information from the police report, Ferguson is a member of the school committee.

This is a development story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News App for the latest news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook And Tweet. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW