| Former student: Teacher touched me By Theresa Freeman/ Metrowest Daily News Sunday, July 3, 2005 Holliston police are investigating whether a middle school teacher, accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl on the last day of his career, has a history of molesting students. At least 10 people have come forward with allegations of similar incidents, police said. A 1976 Holliston High School graduate, who asked that her name not be used, said she was in the fifth grade when math and history teacher Thomas V. Collins fondled her breasts. She said she reported the molestation to the superintendent around 1990. ``I feel like it wasn't taken seriously enough. They did nothing,'' said the woman, who is now 47. Collins, 70, of Milford was arrested and charged two weeks ago with indecent assault and battery after authorities said he grabbed and hit a girl's buttocks and then forcibly kissed her June 21. It was the last day of school for Collins, a Robert Adams Middle School teacher, and his last day before his retirement. Since Collins' arrest, police have received many telephone calls from people in different parts of the country, Detective Charles Todd said. Police are interviewing at least 10 people related to the case. ``It appears that most cases would fall outside of the statute of limitations,'' said Todd. ``They have told us they have previously reported these incidents to the School Department and we are following up to confirm their statements.'' Superintendent Brad Jackson, asked whether his predecessors covered up complaints, said, ``I have no information to suggest that took place.'' Collins' lawyer, Sherborn attorney Daniel Bennett, said he is not aware of any previous complaints against the teacher. ``Until I actually see a police report with some name to it, I stand by my earlier statement - there have been no past allegations that I am aware of,'' said Bennett. During Collins' June 23 arraignment, the prosecutor indicated Collins admitted to similar incidents in the past. A spokeswoman for Middlesex District Attorney Martha Coakley would not comment on whether other charges are pending. The woman from the Class of '76 said she was 10 years old in 1968 when she found herself alone in a school room with Collins.Collins pushed himself against her from behind and massaged her breasts, she said, adding she does not remember what happened immediately after he allegedly molested her. ``I know without a shadow of a doubt he was behind me, he was talking to me, and it was totally inappropriate,'' she said, raising her voice. Two decades later, then a mother herself and living out of state, she said she reported the experience to the school district. She said she was asked to sign a written statement but declined and instead requested only that her call be documented. She said she was assured it would be. But after that single phone call, she said she did not hear back from school officials. ``It makes me sick that they didn't do anything about it,'' she said. http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=92466 |