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State trooper charged with indecent assault and battery, open and gross lewdness

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A Massachusetts State Trooper was relieved of duty following his indictment Thursday by a Worcester Superior Court grand jury on charges of indecent assault and battery and open and gross lewdness.

Jason Willard, 38, presently assigned to the Sturbridge Barracks, is charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery and two counts of open and gross lewdness following an investigation by State Police detectives attached to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

The charges allege Willard committed the offenses around four years ago against a female victim who was about 18 years old at that time. The alleged offenses happened while Willard was off-duty.

Willard is scheduled to be arraigned next week. State Police say they will hold a hearing on Monday to determine a change in Willard's duty status.

Willard joined the department in 2002.

State police took Willard's service weapon, cruiser, badge, and MSP identification. The State Police Internal Affairs Section has also opened its own internal investigation.

Massachusetts State Police say the indictments are "deeply disturbing."