By Jim Clark

On Wednesday, November 13, a Somerville High School teacher reported a case of assault against her, allegedly committed by a student, Lorreno Pierre, 18.

The teacher reportedly told police that Pierre had touched her in an unwelcome and inappropriate manner while visiting her in her office at the school.

Her own written report describes the incident:

“At approximately 2:45, Lorreno Pierre came into my office . I was sitting in my chair working/typing at my computer. Lorreno asked me if I had any Halloween candy. The question stemmed from a discussion that we had the previous week about Halloween. I mentioned that I was bringing in the extra candy for the teachers.

I answered Lorreno’s question that I did have a bag of candy on the table and that he could grab a couple of pieces. Lorreno said, ‘Thanks.’ Our conversation ended and I turned away from him. I proceeded to work and type on my computer. A second later I noticed Lorreno approach me from behind. I was sitting facing my computer, in my chair. Lorreno came behind my chair and wrapped his arms around my chair and touched the side of my arms. I began to curl down when I felt his arms. His hands lightly grabbed my chest and I tightened up. He released his grip and I stared at him awkwardly. I couldn’t speak. Lorreno walked to the other side of the office and said to my student teacher that he ‘wanted to marry me.’

After Lorreno left, I called [name withheld] at 3:00 p.m. to report the incident. I thought [name withheld] was Lorreno’s Housemaster, but he referred me to [name withheld] who is Lorreno’s Housemaster. I reported the incident to [name withheld] at 3:17 pm.”

Police investigators spoke with the Head Master and eventually brought Pierre to the Head Master’s office to inform him of the teacher’s complaint.

Pierre was placed under arrest and charged with indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older.

While waiting for a police transport vehicle, Pierre reportedly told officers, “I gave her a hug, that’s all I did.”