Closing Arguments On Wednesday In Ex-Wayland DPW Foreman Child Sex Abuse Trial

WOBURN, MA -- Closing arguments are expected on Wednesday in the case of a former Wayland Department of Public Works foreman who is on trial accused of sexually assaulting a girl over a period of years.

After a week-long trial and a day off on Tuesday, prosecutor Rachel Perlman and defense attorney John Swomley are expected to give their closing arguments Wednesday in Middlesex Superior Court .

Donald Gladu, 61, a former 20-year foreman for the Wayland Department of Public Works, is on trial charged with four counts of rape of a child with force and indecent assault and battery on a child. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But Swomley told the jury in his opening statement that Gladu "did not rape anyone, he did not sexually assault anyone."

The alleged sexual assaults by Gladu, of Framingham, formerly of Natick, began when he allegedly touched the girl while she lay in bed at night, Perlman alleges. Gladu allegedly grew bolder by assaulting the girl in his living room, on his favorite chair and in his bed in locations in Natick and Acton, Perlman said.

After years of alleged sexual abuse, the alleged victim testified she thought it was "common place," so much so that the victim acted like "a robot" when Gladu allegedly demanded sex, Perlman told the jury during her opening statement. The alleged victim, then 21, disclosed the alleged abuse after discovering information about her family.

Before that, Perlman said the victim was afraid of Gladu, afraid of destroying Gladu's family, and afraid no one would believe her.

"Hollow, completely hollow, '' was how Swomley described the alleged victim's reason for not disclosing the alleged abuse.

Swomley told the jury that Gladu was a strict disciplinarian, who was "verbally forceful," but nothing physical and nothing sexual.

Swomley told the jury the allegations weren't aired until the victim was the focus of negative attention because she was dating an older man. It was that man who told her the truth about her family situation.

Photo of Donald Gladu by Lisa Redmond/lisa.redmond@patch.com

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