Medford man indicted in sexual abuse of boys at playground, DA says

A Medford man was indicted Wednesday on charges that he sexually abused two boys at a playground this fall near his home, a news release from Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said Wednesday.

According to the release, Rashawn Brinkley, 27, was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury on charges of first degree sexual abuse; two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of menacing in the second degree.

Tierney said Brinkley abused the two boys, ages 8 and 11, at the Gordon Heights Children’s Park in Medford.

The release said on Oct. 7, the boys were playing in the park when Brinkley approached them and allegedly began touching them inappropriately.

Police allege on that date Brinkley visited the park on Shirley Lane and “went up to two, at least two youths, juveniles, pushed his hand into their pants and touched their genitals.”

Then on Nov. 2, one of the boys saw Brinkley in the park again and recognized him as the person who had touched him.

The police were contacted by one of the children's family members and Brinkley was arrested.

“Allowing Suffolk County families and children to enjoy our parks and community spaces free from threats, abuse and violence is of paramount importance,” Tierney said. “This defendant preyed upon children at a place where children should be able to safely gather and play together. We will prosecute child abuse to the fullest extent of the law. ”Online court documents lists Legal Aid of Suffolk County, Inc as Brinkley’s legal counsel.

Police ask that anyone else who believes they may have been a victim of Brinkley call the Suffolk County police special victims section at 631-852-6531.