Man Arraigned In Alleged Domestic Violence And Kidnapping Case

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Lee Gilliam, 33, of Newton, was arraigned today in Newton District Court on charges of assault and battery on a family or household member, kidnapping, and threatening to commit a crime. Middlesex County District Court Judge Cesar Archilla ordered Gilliam, who is employed by the Newton Fire Department, to remain in custody until a 58a hearing scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 9 a.m.

“This case concerns allegations about a frightening level of physical violence as well as threats,” said District Attorney Ryan. “And of particular concern in this case, is a statement the suspect allegedly made about how he could rely on his job as a firefighter to protect him from prosecution.”

Authorities say that at approximately 8:45 p.m., Thursday, February 26, a woman came into the Newton Police Station to report that she was the victim of domestic violence. The woman said her boyfriend, Gilliam, approached her two hours earlier outside her place of work in Waltham, punched her several times in the head, and when she woke up she was in his car. She stated he would not let her leave the vehicle, threatened to kill her, and continued physically abusing her when they arrived home at their apartment in Newton. She says he took away her purse and keys, and, after he fell asleep, she left the apartment and sought help.

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

The Waltham Police Department and the Newton Police Department are investigating this incident.

The prosecutor who handled this arraignment today was Assistant District Attorney Susan Harris.