Haverhill School Committee member accused of groping teenager

A Haverhill School Committee member is facing charges for allegedly groping a teenager, court records show.

Cheryl Ferguson was arraigned in Haverhill District Court on Wednesday and faces charges of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years of age or older. According to a police report obtained by WBZ News, Ferguson was arrested at her home on Tuesday night following the alleged incident.

“You’re scary,” Ferguson allegedly told the teenage victim

WBZ said the alleged victim was standing outside a 7-Eleven on Dudley Street in Haverhill wearing a Halloween mask when Ferguson approached him and allegedly groped his buttocks. She then entered the store, but as she exited, she allegedly ran her hands over the teen's chest.

The teen's mother reported the alleged incident to police, who arrived at Ferguson's home later that evening for questioning. Ferguson told police she was playing Keno at the 7-Eleven and as she was leaving the store, she stabbed the victim in the chest and said, “You're scary,” WBZ News reported. Police then arrested her, court documents show.

In a joint statement, Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and Superintendent Margaret Marotta said police informed them of the charges on Wednesday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to restrict the member’s access to school grounds and are taking further precautionary measures until further notice,” the joint statement said. “The safety of our students is our top priority.”

They declined to comment on the allegations themselves, saying they were criminal in nature.

Ferguson pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday. According to court documents, Judge Susan McNeil released Ferguson without bail. As part of her release conditions, Ferguson must observe a 9pm to 5am curfew and wear a GPS tracker during that time. The conditions also stipulate that Ferguson is not allowed to have any contact with minors.

Ferguson already has a criminal record

Court records show Ferguson has been prosecuted four other times.

In 2006, she was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to follow marked lanes. That charge was later dismissed.

In 2018, she was charged with a crime for the second time: driving under the influence of alcohol. Ferguson was placed on probation. In September 2019, she pleaded not guilty to driving an uninsured vehicle. Both cases were dismissed at the request of the Commonwealth.

Later in 2019, she was charged with assault and battery. Therefore, she was on probation from January 28, 2021 to April 20, 2021.

Ferguson's representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.