JC Penney salesman in Mass. accused of raping boy in dressing room, pleads not guilty
Associated Press
11/25/09 7:05 PM EST
STURBRIDGE, MASS. — Massachusetts prosecutors say a J.C. Penney children's department salesman sexually assaulted a boy in a dressing room when the boy's mother stepped away to make a phone call.
Francisco Wellington Barros-Gomes of Charlton was ordered held Wednesday on charges of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and rape of a child with force. The 26-year-old Brazilian was ordered to surrender his passport.
A not guilty plea was entered for him. His lawyer says he can't pay the $25,000 cash bail.
Prosecutors say Barros-Gomes assaulted the boy Tuesday at the company's Sturbridge store after offering to bring him clothes to try on. A phone message was left Wednesday for the store's manager.
A woman who answered the phone at a listing for Barros-Gomes hung up without comment.
