MCI dorm student faces assault charge

PITTSFIELD – A 20-year-old dormitory student from Cleveland, Ohio, was arrested Monday night at Maine Central Institute and charged with gross sexual assault on a 15-year-old female student.

Police said Tuesday that they believe there may be other victims and are asking the public for assistance.

Maine State Police Lt. Timothy Doyle said the man, Aaron Nichols, is being held on $10,000 cash bail at the Skowhegan Jail.

Doyle said the incident allegedly occurred on the MCI campus on Nov. 13. “We are investigating the potential of other victims,” said Doyle. “We are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Robin Parker of the Maine State Police at 1-800-452-4664.”

Doyle said Parker was assisted in making the arrest at the school by the Pittsfield Police Department.

MCI Headmaster Douglas Cummings called the alleged incident and resultant arrest “an extremely unfortunate situation. It is important to remember that as the legal system goes through its process, no one is guilty until a judge has made his decision.”

Cummings said as of Tuesday the arrested student was not enrolled at MCI but would not provide further details, such as whether the man withdrew from the school or was expelled.

“Just as any other student, his rights need to be protected,” Cummings said.