A man previously convicted of child sexual offenses has been accused of attacking a woman he brought to a Planet Fitness gym and subsequently assaulting an employee who attempted to intervene. The alleged incident unfolded within the women's locker room of the facility.
Prosecutors have confirmed that the alleged attacks took place just weeks after a charge against the man, identified as Holland, for failing to register as a sex offender was dismissed. That dismissal was contingent upon his completion of the required registration, which he subsequently fulfilled.
Following his arraignment, Holland was ordered to be held without bail. He faces charges including two counts of assault to rape, two counts of indecent assault and battery, kidnapping, and witness intimidation. A dangerousness hearing has been scheduled for October 16. Reports indicate that a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to the District Attorney’s office, Holland, who was a member of the Planet Fitness location in Porter Square, arrived at the gym around 9:00 a.m. on October 1. He was accompanied by a woman he knew, having reportedly offered her the use of the showers.
Upon their arrival at the facility, Holland allegedly began physically assaulting the woman. Authorities stated that the woman sought refuge in the women’s locker room and shower area, but Holland purportedly followed her.
Inside the locker room, he allegedly continued to strike her and engage in inappropriate touching, while also attempting to remove her clothing and prevent her from leaving, according to the District Attorney’s office. A female employee, upon entering the shower area, reportedly attempted to pull Holland away from the woman. At this point, Holland allegedly sexually assaulted the employee as well.
Police responded to the scene and found Holland in the locker room, attempting to put his clothes back on, prosecutors stated.
Prior Criminal History and Registration Issues
Court records indicate that Holland's criminal history includes guilty pleas in 2006 for two counts of child rape and one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14. He is described as being homeless, with known residences in both Cambridge and Boston.
The District Attorney's office has noted that Holland is required to complete registration and verification as a sex offender every 30 days. He appeared at the Cambridge police headquarters to register on August 25 but was arrested for being late. This charge was later dismissed on the condition that he complete his registration, which he did on August 27.
Planet Fitness Responds
In response to the incident, Planet Fitness issued a statement. The company affirmed its commitment to providing a safe environment for all its members. The franchise group confirmed that Holland's membership has been canceled and stated that they are cooperating with local law enforcement to support their ongoing investigation into the matter.