Overview
- Local prosecutors say a woman who knocked on a Fremont Avenue door to sell a phone plan was threatened with weapons, taken inside the home and sexually assaulted by the homeowner.
- The Middlesex District Attorney's office has charged 67-year-old James Mugford with aggravated rape, kidnapping, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
- Mugford was arraigned in Malden District Court and a judge ordered him held without bail after finding him dangerous; he is due back to court for pretrial proceedings.
- The victim has not been publicly identified and neighbors told reporters they recognized the accused as a familiar figure in the neighborhood.
- The case has renewed concerns about the safety of door-to-door workers and will be followed for evidence presented in pretrial hearings and decisions on prosecution strategy.