Defense lawyer denies charges he sexually assaulted clients

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A Springfield defense lawyer has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting two of his clients.

The Republican (https://bit.ly/2dIFPml ) reports that 40-year-old James Martin was arraigned Tuesday in Hampden Superior Court on charges of rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14. He was released without bail with orders to have no contact with the alleged victims.

A state police affidavit says Martin sexually assaulted a court-appointed client in May. Police say it happened after he had picked her up outside her father’s house to discuss her case.

The incident was reported around the time the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office was investigating an allegation that Martin sexually assaulted a woman who was in his office in June to discuss her upcoming divorce.

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Information from: The Springfield (Mass.) Republican, https://www.masslive.com/news/