Jury Acquits Ex-Aide At MGH-Danvers On Rape Charge

DANVERS, MA -- A Lawrence Superior Court jury found Michael C. Drinan, 51, of Lynn, not guilty on a rape charge. Two years ago a woman accused Drinan of sexually assaulting her with his fingers as he prepared her for a February 2015 post-surgical procedure. The defense in the case was able to point to inconsistencies in the woman's testimony and the delay in reporting the incident.

Drinan no longer works at the hospital. The woman also filed a civil suit, according to the Salem News, which first reported this story. "We were able to show that she had a potential motive," defense attorney Nicole Reilly told the newspaper.

For more on this story, see the Salem News. Subscribe to Danvers Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).