# State Police Barracks on Martha's Vineyard Site of Alleged Rape

> Martha's Vineyard State Police barracks becomes unlikely scene of alleged rape after emergency management employee reportedly assaulted woman at bar.
- Title: State Police Barracks on Martha's Vineyard Site of Alleged…
- Summary: Martha's Vineyard State Police barracks becomes unlikely scene of alleged rape after emergency management employee reportedly assaulted woman at bar. A…
- Keywords: martha's vineyard, state police, boston public schools, emergency management, rape, alleged assault, barracks, marijuana, martha's vineyard terminal, oak bluffs, ritz cafe, barracks security
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/17/metro/state-police-barracks-is-site-of-rape-investigation
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: martha's vineyard, state police, boston public schools, emergency management, rape, alleged assault, barracks, marijuana, martha's vineyard terminal, oak bluffs, ritz cafe, barracks security
## State Police Barracks on Martha's Vineyard
The Massachusetts State Police barracks in Oak Bluffs has a stately Victorian façade, well-kept lawn, and white picket fence.
## Alleged Rape at Barracks
On Aug. 15, a woman was found naked near the barracks screaming for help after being allegedly raped by a Boston Public Schools emergency management employee.
## Victim's Account
Prosecutors allege the victim met the suspect at the Ritz Cafe bar in mid-August, where he bought her a drink after patting her on the buttocks.
## Suspect Details
Edward J. Brown, 27, was staying with a trooper friend at the barracks and has been placed on leave from his position as assistant director in the Office of Emergency Management.
## Suspect's Background
Civil court records show two ex-girlfriends obtained restraining orders against Brown, alleging harassment and other alarming behavior.
## State Police Response
State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble called the allegations 'deeply troubling' and said the agency is conducting an internal review of its policies.

> deeply troubling
## Barracks Security Concerns
State Police has prohibited overnight guests at temporary housing units used by troopers on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
## Local Reaction
Residents and visitors in this coastal community of 5,300 described the incident as 'terrible,' 'disgusting,' and 'horrifying.'
## Historical Context
The State Police barracks on Martha's Vineyard have been a unique assignment for troopers since 1971 when the Commonwealth stopped requiring troopers to live in barracks.
## Past Incidents
In 1995, an off-duty state trooper named James 'Jay' Lyons fired bullets into a wall and a movie theater after a heavy drinking spree.
## Current Impact
The incident has raised questions about security at State Police barracks and whether the victim can find help after an attack inside a law enforcement facility.
## Local Resident Reaction
Faye Macy, a 73-year-old retired Oak Bluffs resident, called the incident 'unbelievable' and questioned why the suspect was at the barracks.
## State Police Policy Changes
State Police has implemented a formal written policy requiring prior written approval from the local commander for visitors to enter nonpublic areas of barracks property.
## Ongoing Investigation
State Police is conducting an internal review of 'applicable policies, visitor authorization procedures and compliance with established requirements.'
## What Happens Next
Edward J. Brown is scheduled for arraignment on a related charge at a different date after being arrested last Friday at Boston Latin Academy.
## Key takeaway

A Boston Public Schools emergency management employee allegedly raped a woman at a Martha's Vineyard State Police barracks after meeting her at a bar.