Man Wanted for Sexually Assaulting Disabled Student In Custody

MIDDLEBOROUGH — The New Bedford man wanted by Middleborough Police for sexually assaulting a cognitively disabled adult student at the Chamberlain International School has turned himself in.

Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins reports that 28-year-old Phillip Houtman turned himself in at Wareham District Court Friday afternoon.

Houtman is charged with Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person with an Intellectual Disability (Two Counts), Rape, Assault to Rape and Open and Gross Lewdness. He was arraigned at Wareham District Court on Friday.

A warrant for his arrest was issued on Thursday, Oct. 10 and police had been working to locate Houtman since Thursday afternoon.

On September 30, Middleborough Police were notified of an allegation about Houtman allegedly sexually assaulting the 19-year-old student.

The Chamberlain International School is a private boarding and day school that serves students ages 11-22 who have cognitive and developmental disorders and disabilities. Houtman was an overnight staff member at the school and had worked there for less than a year, according to school administrators.