Despite Donations, Frustration Lingers with Sexual Abuse Committee

Originally published Nov. 10, 2016

FOXBOROUGH, MA — After receiving four new donations, the town’s Child Sexual Abuse Committee says they are getting frustrated with the town and state.

At a recent selectmen meeting, the board voted to accept a $100 donation from an aunt of former Foxborough resident and William Sheehan victim Aaron Averhart, $165 from Averhart’s Masonic Lodge, $165 from Averhart, and an anonymous donation of $5,000. The last donation will be spread out by $500 a year for 10 years.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the many that are suffering from the past and many that need help in the future,” a letter from the unknown donor read.

Despite the donations, committee Chairman Bob Correia and Lynda Walsh say they are getting frustration by the lack of movement both on the state and town level. The new mandated reporter definitions, which passed town meetings, have yet to be approved at the state house.

“We’re often presented with former victims with stories. Almost every session his name comes up or we’re pulled aside for a story. Gut wrenching horrible stories which ends with 'what is the town doing?'” Correia said.

Selectman Jim DeVellis, who has attended most of the committee’s meetings, said he was told that the definitions would pass the state house by the end of the year but felt that this has been forgotten unlike the new liquor license, which were also approved by the same town meeting.

“I’m getting pissed about it, a lot of people are. If this isn’t done by the end of the year, we’re going to take a contingency to the state house for the state reps and state senators to see what’s important. I don’t understand why they can’t give Foxborough what they voted for,” DeVellis said.

Town Manager Bill Keegan said he was told by State Rep. Jay Barrows that the definitions are in the State Senate for a third reading, but State Senator James Timilty is optimistic that they’ll move past the third reading.

There is also a belief that there is a delay because the state wants to expand the definition of a mandated reporter statewide.

“We'd be more than happy to help with the state, but we want this for our town right now,” Walsh said.

The Foxborough Child Sexual Abuse Committee was formed in 2012 following the William Sheehan scandal that brought to light the multiple incidents of child sexual molestation committed by Sheehan, a former Foxborough teacher, scoutmaster, and swimming teacher.