Winthrop police officer charged with child rape

A Winthrop police lieutenant pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to three felony charges of sexually assaulting a child.

Court records show James Anthony Feeley, 56, faces one charge of raping a child and two for indecent assault of a child under 14.

Judge Joseph Griffin set bail at $200,000 at a hearing in East Boston Municipal Court.

Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty said in a statement that Feeley has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case and referred further questions to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a release that Feeley was arrested on Dec. 26 following an investigation by State Police detectives assigned to Hayden's office.

Hayden said in the statement his office has prosecutors and advocates “specially trained to work with child victims of sexual assault,” to support the victim and their family as the case moves forward.

Feeley's LinkedIn profile says he has been with the department since 2002. He is not listed in the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training database of officers who have previously faced sustained charges.

Feeley is scheduled to be back in court on Jan. 29.