Robert LeBlanc, a well-known figure and attorney based in Methuen, Massachusetts, has stepped down from his position in the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee following serious allegations, with the 80-year-old facing a series of charges including child rape.
LeBlanc, who previously held multiple public roles, including a recently resigned role with the state Democratic Party, recently pleaded not guilty to charges including child rape and indecent assault, as the Daily Caller reports.
The accusations relate to an alleged history of inappropriate behavior that surfaced after new legal developments. These include claims of indecent acts towards minors under 14, battery on individuals 14 or older, and the attempt to commit indecent assault.
LeBlanc's political journey began several decades ago, having served as the Town Manager for Methuen from 1976 to 1981. His influence extended as a city councilor at large during the 1980s and as a lawyer for the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Despite his long-time association with the committee, a party spokesperson indicated LeBlanc hadn’t been active in recent years, with his last known volunteer stint in 2006.
The Massachusetts Democratic State Committee confirmed that LeBlanc resigned at the urging of the party's chair. This resignation is the culmination of long-running allegations against LeBlanc, dating back several years.
A series of non-criminal incidents marked LeBlanc's past, starting with a 2002 accusation at a Barnes and Noble bookstore. The situation involved a customer reporting him for inappropriate conduct in a bathroom, which resulted in a lifetime ban from the bookstore chain. LeBlanc claimed to have no memory of the event.
In 2005, more issues emerged when a Massachusetts high school banned LeBlanc after a student alleged that he stalked him. According to the student's claims, LeBlanc had approached him at work, offered an unsolicited massage, and only stopped contact through school intervention.
LeBlanc’s court appearances didn’t end there. In 2008, he was placed on probation due to an incident in a courthouse. Witnesses reported him hugging a female attorney inappropriately and making unwanted comments, describing the scenario with the quote, “Isn’t she a beautiful Republican?” Despite this history, LeBlanc attempted a political comeback in 2013 by running for a seat on the city council, a campaign overshadowed by his previous scandals.
The latest charges have drawn considerable attention, given LeBlanc's previous record with accusations of sexual misconduct. Though specifics about the victims have been withheld due to the case's sensitive nature, the Essex County District Attorney's Office confirmed the developments.
LeBlanc's lawyer has chosen not to comment on the current situation, leaving questions about the case unanswered. In a statement issued through his law firm, a lack of statement was expressed -- standing in contrast to the gravity of the allegations LeBlanc now faces.
The court's response involved setting bail conditions aimed at safeguarding the community. LeBlanc is required to submit for booking, avoid contact with witnesses or victims, and refrain from being around minors unsupervised.
As the judicial process proceeds, those following the case remain alert to how these proceedings unfold. LeBlanc's abrupt resignation marks a significant point in his long career, ringing a striking note in the local political community. The Massachusetts Democratic Party has expressed their stance by asking for and receiving LeBlanc’s resignation, seeking to distance the party from the unfolding legal issues and public scrutiny.
Moving forward, the question remains as to what impact this will have on LeBlanc's legacy, as well as the broader political discourse within the region. His situation underscores ongoing challenges parties face in maintaining integrity and public trust amid rising scrutiny over past and present conduct.
