A convicted child rapist is accused of attacking a woman in a Planet Fitness gym after promising her access to the showers. The incident escalated when he allegedly assaulted a female employee who tried to intervene. Laquan Holland, 40, is said to have physically assaulted the woman, attempted to remove her clothing, and prevented her from escaping within the Cambridge, Massachusetts gym, according to authorities.
This attack occurred just weeks after a previous charge against Holland for failing to register as a sex offender was dismissed, provided he completed his registration. Following the recent allegations, he was ordered to be held without bail on multiple charges, including assault with intent to rape, indecent assault and battery, kidnapping, and witness intimidation.
A dangerousness hearing is set for October 16, during which Holland, who reportedly pleaded not guilty, will face the charges. Prosecutors stated that he arrived at the gym around 9 a.m. on October 1 with a woman he knew, under the pretense of letting her use the shower facilities.
However, once inside, Holland allegedly began hitting her. The woman managed to flee into the women’s locker room, but Holland pursued her, continuing his assault and preventing her from exiting. A female employee entered the shower area in an attempt to assist the woman but was also allegedly assaulted by Holland.
When police arrived, they found Holland in the locker room attempting to dress himself. His criminal history is significant; he has previously pleaded guilty to charges including child rape and indecent assault on a child under 14. Further complicating matters, police had arrested him recently for failing to register as a sex offender, a serious offense considering his history.
The district attorney’s office noted that Holland, who is reportedly homeless, is supposed to meet registration requirements every 30 days. Although he managed to register on August 27 after an arrest for being late to register earlier that month, he remains a subject of concern. Planet Fitness has since canceled his gym membership and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all gym-goers.
