Boston Man Indicted For Arlington Home Invasion and Sexual Assault

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan informed the public today that a Boston man has been indicted in connection with a June home invasion and sexual assault on a woman in Arlington.

Essie Billingslea, 45, of Boston, was indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on charges of home invasion, armed assault in a dwelling, aggravated rape (three counts), assault to rape, kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon (two counts), breaking and entering in the daytime with the intent to commit a felony, being a habitual offender (seven counts) and being a habitual criminal (eleven counts).

The arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.

"We allege this defendant viciously assaulted the victim in her own home, a place where she should have felt safe,” said District Attorney Ryan. “In this case, an alert friend of the victim believed something was wrong and notified authorities.  I commend their actions and the prompt and thorough follow up and investigation by Arlington Police.”

On June 1, at approximately 8:13pm, Arlington Police received a request for a well-being check on a resident.  When authorities arrived at the residence, it is alleged, they encountered two individuals.  One, a male, later identified as the defendant, allegedly was observed by officers and then fled the building and was apprehended nearby.  The second, a female, appeared injured and was in obvious distress. Police began an immediate investigation.

During that investigation, authorities allegedly learned that, earlier in the evening, the defendant had pushed his way into the victim’s home.  Over the course of approximately two hours, he allegedly punched the victim, verbally threatened her and sexually assaulted her. The defendant allegedly held the woman at knifepoint, and threatened that he had a gun.  

While this attack was ongoing, authorities allege that the victim received a telephone call from a friend who realized during the conversation that something was wrong and notified police.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Kate Kleimola. The Victim Witness Advocate is Helena Clarke.