OAK BLUFFS – From Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle: The following is a statement from Chief Jonathan Searle:
“In late August, the Oak Bluffs Police Department responded to a report involving a woman in distress and immediately initiated an investigation. Through the course of the investigation, officers determined that the matter involved an alleged sexual assault and developed information indicating that the alleged assault occurred at the Massachusetts State Police barracks in Oak Bluffs.
“The Oak Bluffs Police Department is a separate and independent law enforcement agency from the Massachusetts State Police and, from the beginning, has conducted this investigation independently and in accordance with the Department’s established policies and procedures. The Massachusetts State Police has had no involvement in the Oak Bluffs Police Department’s investigation.
“As part of its investigation, Oak Bluffs Police developed probable cause and applied for and received court-authorized search warrants related to the investigation, including warrants executed at the State Police barracks.
“The Massachusetts State Police General Headquarters has cooperated with matters related to the investigation. The Department also has been in communication with the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office regarding the investigation and findings.
“The Oak Bluffs Police Department takes allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously. Our investigators have followed the facts and evidence in this case, and we will continue to conduct this investigation thoroughly and independently.
“Because this remains an active investigation, the Department will have no further comment at this time.”
