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Estranged husband of former Senate president indicted for sexual assault

BOSTON -- The estranged husband of ex-Massachusetts Senate President Stanley Rosenberg has been indicted on multiple charges of sexual assault, criminal lewdness and distributing nude photographs without consent.

Bryon Hefner, 30, has been under investigation since November when several men came forward with allegations against him.

Three of the men told the Boston Globe that Hefner grabbed their genitals and one said Hefner kissed him against his will. The Globe said it found no evidence Rosenberg knew about the alleged assaults.

The Boston Globe reports one of Hefner's alleged victims, who was not publicly identified, said, "It's surreal. I know most survivors of sexual assault never get their day in court. I'm still afraid of what happens next, but I'm also confident that all of the survivors are going to be able to get through it."

Prosecutors said Hefner also secretly obtained nude photos of a fourth victim, showing those images to four other people.

“As a result of our joint investigation with DA Conley’s Office, today’s indictments on multiple felony charges send a clear message that we will not tolerate behavior of this kind,” Attorney General Maura Healey said Thursday. “I want to thank the victims who have come forward and put their trust in us.”

>>PREVIOUSSeveral men accuse Mass. Senate leader's spouse of abuse

After the initial report from the Globe, Rosenberg stepped down from his position as Senate President, but did not resign as a Senator.

The charges against Hefner were announced Thursday after a grand jury indictment on five counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, four counts of dissemination of a visual image of a nude or partially nude person and one count of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior.

“These are serious charges. They are now being handled by the judicial system. I have faith in that system and trust that it will adjudicate this case fairly," Rosenberg said about the charges.

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