Overview
- Judge John A. Canavan III rejected a 90-day detention request and released Joseph R. Ward, 25, on personal recognizance.
- Release conditions require him to live with his mother in Methuen, wear a GPS bracelet, stay out of Plymouth and Barnstable counties, and avoid contact with the woman.
- Ward pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping and assault and battery on a family or household member after his arrest last week.
- The Massachusetts State Police suspended Ward pending the outcome of the criminal case, and he is due back in court on April 16.
- Defense filings assert the accuser, a Barnstable police officer, lied about having no contact after a Jan. 10 breakup, while prosecutors provided police reports, a restraining order, and an interview recording to the court.