Maynard High School Joseph Magno Arrested for Crimes Against a Student

Phyllis Agin on Wed, 11th Jan 2006 7:49 pm 

I absolutely agree with what Eric Pekkala said in the article and support Mr. Magno. Friends that I have talked with and know Mr. Magno support him as well. If it doesn’t make sense, it’s usually not true.

Jennifer on Thu, 12th Jan 2006 11:35 am 

Phyllis is right, it doesn’t make sense. But what would be the kid’s motive for coming out and saying this stuff. Usually there’s some kernel of truth even to seemingly far-fetched stories, so I think the matter merits investigation.

MAC on Fri, 13th Jan 2006 8:17 pm 

My husband graduated from Maynard High in the 70’s and knew at the time that Magno was abusing boys. He was only surprised that it took this long for someone to finally come forward. Sexual abuse is such a horrible thing that to think someone would make up the allegation, especially a boy (lots of stigma there), is to think with naivete.

Joseph on Sun, 15th Jan 2006 2:46 pm 

Magno will burn in hell for what he has done.

Ken Savage on Sun, 15th Jan 2006 9:39 pm 

MAC, shouldn’t he have said something then or at least now?

Ken Savage on Sun, 15th Jan 2006 10:49 pm 

Credibility will be destroyed but jail time can still be saved.

Phyllis Agin on Mon, 16th Jan 2006 9:27 am 

If someone KNEW in the 70s that Mr. Magno was abusing boys, why did it take 30 years to come out? Maybe it was just suspicions but after the priest sexual abuse scandal came to light, that would have been a good time for one of these victims to come forward. Why would they let it continue?!? I know Mr. Magno was always an easy target by his generosity - whether or not it was intended to keep his alleged victims quiet. I’m not surprised more victims have come forward. Some may be telling the truth but there are people who will lie about things like this for their own personal gain - read the papers - it happens all the time. After listening to all the gossip, seeing the news on tv and reading the newspapers, he has been tried and convicted. We have become a country where people are now guilty until proven innocent. Next!

WAVM Class of 75 on Tue, 17th Jan 2006 3:40 pm 

I believe it all. I was riding in a car, alone with Magno in spring 1974 when he asked me sex related questions. A very uncomfortable talk ensued. I never heard others talk about him back then. I believe 100% of the bad news. I too wondered what took so long.
AV boy, question: was the “male roomate” tall (6′2″)and thin and also baseball coach? I went to Williamsport with Mags and another adult in 1970, just curious.

m-town resident on Wed, 18th Jan 2006 7:56 pm 

hey ok first off to all the comments about why has it taken this long for people to come out i just wanna clear this up, rape weakens you, it makes you feel trashy, embarrased, and sick…its a gross thing, ive been raped not by magno but by another person and lemme tell you its not something anyones quick to admit, you think its your fault and that you are in the wrong so none of you can honestly sit here and bs everyone by saying “its not true” cuz you dont know this is the 21st century this day in age you do not know what ANYONE is capable of. you cannot trust a single living soul, as sad as it is to say. people are just to f-ed in the head to be so certain on a matter as huge as this one.
and second magno has asked me about boys in the highschool that i have been with ( i have not graduated yet) and so personaly, i think hes GUILTY period.

WAVM Class of 75 on Wed, 18th Jan 2006 8:39 pm 

AV boy, thanks for the sad news. The other adult was my coach in little league in 68,69,70. My mom told me back in 1970ish that his fiancee’ died at age 22 on him, hence never having found another woman. I’ve felt sad for that fact for a long time, sounds like it was potentially a ruze to avoid other interests. He was always good to me and this is the first I’d heard of any such info.

Lin O'Leary on Wed, 18th Jan 2006 10:53 pm 

Mr Magno lived downstairs below my bedroom. I know he engaged in lively activities, and I know he made advances to my younger brother, whom he was teaching to drive his car. My brother told me all about it, at the time, we decided he should never ride with Mr. Magno again. Magno rented our downstairs apt for many years.

i KNOW he's guilty on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 8:54 am 

I know that Mr. Magno’s guilty of the charges, as I also was one of his “little boys”. To respond to Phyllis, whom I do not blame in the least for not believing the accusations, picture it this way: what is to gain by coming forwards? Especially recently? The accuser gains nothing. Some say the ’satisfaction’ that Magno’s in jail, but I disagree. That in no way makes me feel better, I’m indifferent to where he is now as it has no effect on me. Secondly, it would destroy WAVM and shame the town, as though the surrounding communities don’t look down on Maynard enough. Finally, imagine being known as “The kid Magno raped.” There goes your social life. You could never live in town and be treated the same again due to the incredible stigma you’d have. Your family would be known as the parents of the kid who got raped. Probably people would ‘accuse’ you of being a homosexual, i mean why else would you let a man have his way with you? And of course a lot of people (ie you phyllis) wouldn’t believe and would consider the accuser a liar. No one likes being a called a liar, especially when telling the truth about something important. Think about the boy you’re calling a liar, as though the trial won’t be enough for him. Magno’s lawyer is going to go into the courtroom and try to prove the boy is a “troubled child” and a “chronic liar.” Imagine being a scared, confused 17-year-old being berated by a lawyer about how you’re a horrible, dishonest troubled child? Now ask yourself, would you come forwards and say anything? This isn’t the catholic church, there’s no money for us, the kids he raped. Just hte stigma of being one of “Magno’s boys.”

Phyllis on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 10:17 am 

Same Phyllis. I did not say I do not believe it - I merely said I support him. God forbid if anyone accused any one of us of the same thing. Wouldn’t you want to be presumed innocent until you are proven guilty? Coming forward if you are a victim would prevent someone else from going through the same hell you are going through. Yes, it takes a very strong person to come forward but they would be viewed as heroes to those of us who have worried and protected our own children from the same thing happening to them. We need to realize we shouldn’t care about what small-minded people will think. They are everywhere - in Maynard, the surrounding towns and all over the world. Does their opinion really matter when someone is being abused? We should only be concerned with the people who love us and have our best interests at heart. We have to stop living our lives by what other people think. There are all kinds of abuse. Just by it’s very nature sexual abuse is probably the worst but any type of abuse will scar people for years and some for the rest of their lives. I sympathize with anyone who has suffered any type of abuse but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to join the mob the minute a person is accused. It seems so often that the law does not do justice but we have to believe that he will be judged by a jury of his peers who will listen to the facts and deliver a verdict he deserves. Ultimately he will be judged by God (for those of you who believe). If he is guilty, he will receive a punishment for eternity. So let’s help one another stop being victims and start being heroes. Amen.

sad situation on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 11:12 am 

This is just sad all around.

Let’s just keep in mind that this boy technically did not come “forward” with accusations. He only mentioned them to his therapist, who found it in *her* interest to alert authorities.

Unfortunately, this may not have been what this student wanted, but hopefully his life will be better over time.
At first, I wasn’t sure if what his therapist did was right, but now that I see there could be more to uncover, I think maybe she actually did it to protect others.

WAVM Class of 75 on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 12:44 pm 

Magno had a pool/billiard table at the Brown and Concord street apartment. I was invited one day and showed up late which might have scared him off. He invited me back alone to play pool one Saturday when he met me at the local bowling alley. We played pool for awhile and that was the end of our private time from that point on. I think I was too much of a risk. In the high school yearbook, someone wrote “Magno’s sidekick” under my photo. Hmmn… I feel lucky to have minimized my exposure to Mag’s fettishes. So I feel it helps to be tardy somedays.

I feel great that the child and therapist have brought this out. Kudo’s to both.

Even though I have great memories of my little league coach, if there is evidence of wrongdoing on his part, it should also be brought forth (AV boy - comments?).

This sounds like a good subject to write a book and do a movie, primarily to spread the news that pedofiles can hide low level activity for 40 years.

WAVM Class of 75 on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 4:10 pm 

AV boy, I just read the article, you must know Pixie well, only Rosemary is mentioned in the article. I’d almost forgotten her nickname. (AV boy, what year did you graduate? 74?)Mags rented the apartment from her family, and that’s the place I played pool with him.
I think that caution on the offenders part is the reason for 30 years. He was cautious with me, after 3 incidences over a one year period he backed away. Also back then, nobody I knew ever went to a therapist to bring this stuff out. I can remembered how embarassed I felt talking sex (the type you go blind from). I never told my parents or two brothers or anyone.

As for Michael Jackson, I’m in Santa Barbara and a good friend was on the grand jury in 1993 and stated there was only parents on the stand, no kids and no evidence. The grand jury thought parents only were after money and the District Attorney had a huge ego and they were all angry at wasting 30 days effort.

I predict Magno will be convicted of lesser crimes (lewd conduct,etc.) and get probation and counseling since no physical evidence will likely be available (unless there’s a stained clothing article that wasn’t washed). Mags will retire far away from Maynard if his health doesn’t kill him first. He’ll have to register as a sex offender. The movie will be out in 2008.

WAVM Class of 75 on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 6:46 pm 

AV boy,
You seem to know the prison system names, I didn’t recognize the Shattuck and Sousa names. I know Walpole and Concord, they’re pretty famous.

I’m sure the justice system won’t be overly generous with Mags. Good thing the trials not in New Hampster, Mags could get a week or more in jail.

A friend of mine published his first book recently, the title is “If you listen to your whispers you’ll never hear your screams”. I’m certain Mags knew he was doing wrong all these years and whispered to himself to stop, but he chose to bury those whispers for his own pleasure. Now it’s “scream time”.

sad situation on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 7:34 pm 

AV boy: please do not take my comments wrong. I didn’t mean to anger or upset anyone so let me clarify what I meant.

I too was a student of Mags and have known him for many years. When I said this is a SAD situation, I meant that I’m sad and disappointed that a person many of us looked up to could possibly do this to innocent and trustworthy kids.

It’s sad that he took advantage of kids. It is sad that we had to live through that. He is a sad man. I am sad to have looked up to him at one point in time. I am sad that I respected him at one point in my life. That’s what I meant by a ’sad situation’ all around.

sad situation on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 7:39 pm 

P.S. … the reason I mentioned the bit about the therapist exposing the situation was because other people were illuding to the fact that maybe this boy did it for a personal benefit.

My point was solely to point out that he didn’t intentionally get this ball rolling.

Ken Savage on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 8:09 pm 

I posted this because I was concerned and I encourage discussion.

sad situation on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 8:45 pm 

Ken,
thanks for providing a community in which we can discuss this ordeal. I think it’s important to communicate with each other about it.
I still feel as though maybe I’m in shock that the light has finally been shed on who Joseph Magno really is.

I think I had been naive and turned a blind eye to the fact that Mags always had guys around him when I was a student.

Being female, I don’t think I ever looked at him that way because I never felt threated or uncomfortable. Now I know why.
I’m truly sad that I didn’t recognize things for what they were. I feel just awful for all of my guy co-workers at the station. Who knows how far the tentacles reach.

Victim in the 80's on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 9:54 pm 

I too was a victim of Joe Magno.

And like so many other I chose to keep these assaults to myself. These secrets and the effects of his manipulation have eaten away at me for years. He was always larger than life in the community. I didn’t want what was happening to continue but I had no idea how to make it stop. He was well respected and I was a child from a broken home. Who do you think would have had all the support?

Many of the comments here lead me to belive many of you do belive that Magno is capable of doing the things that he has been accused of. For those of you who don’t. Read the comments and tell me that you can feel any other way. He has been doing this since the 60’s or 70’s.

For years I sat back and kept quiet as the legacy and reputation of this man grew. Unfortunately his list of victims also appears to have grown. Now as times have changed and we have come to learn that people in these positions are capable of doing harm to those who trust them. I still read and hear people saying that Magno is not capable of this. Wakeup people!! He is!! I know it because I lived this nightmare. With all the emotions involved and the fears of coming forward, how could anyone not support this seventeen year old boy. The community owes their support to this young man. No matter how it was done his allegations have stopped a monster in your town. Now he faces the riddicule and finger pointing that prevented other victims and myself from coming forward. Joe Magno can no longer can hurt another child in your town and all you can say is “liar”? Sudents and parents should be greatfull not hatefull toward this young man.

I am so tired of hearing about all the good Magno has done. I really believe that all the acts of kindness, including overseeing WAVM, were done for the simple reason. A cover for him as he preyed on kids to live his sick twisted fantasies. Besides, shouldn’t one hurtfull act towards a child be enough to erase the good that he has done. And I’m pretty sure that the number is much higher than one.

It took me many years of hurting and soul searching to realize that my true friends at WAVM were the students not Magno. They accepted me for what I was. They didn’t take advantage of any weakness that I may have had. Many students before, during and after me worked hard to make the station the best student run radio/TV station in the country, it was about pride. I’m not sure that was Magno’s motivation. A great deal have gone on to have careers in commucnications/entertainment and many other have used the tools the developed at WAVM to build successful careers in others fields. From this point on the students should be the sole focus when the success of WAVM is talked about. Magno is the only one who should suffer from his actions not the alumni.

MHS on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 10:27 pm 

this whole thing has actually made me lose sleep because not only did i take this man’s class, and participated in WAVM, but this guy was someone who i liked and respected very much he was always decent to me. There is absolutly no doubt in my mind that Mags is guilty i just wish it had come out a long time ago so not as many kids lives had to be scarred like that.

M-town2 on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 10:28 pm 

M-town, what years are you graduating?

M-town2 on Thu, 19th Jan 2006 10:29 pm 

M-town, what year are you graduating?

matthew willis on Fri, 20th Jan 2006 1:53 am 

JOE MAGNO SHOULD BE PUT RIGHT INTO GENERAL PRISON POPULATION AT MCI [ CEDAR JUNCTION ] WALPOLE WHEN HE IS CONVICTED AND HE WILL BE CONVICTED FOR SURE ! LET HIM TRY TOUCHING BOYS IN THERE LMAO… WHAT A SCUMBAG HE IS !

mags = fat on Sat, 21st Jan 2006 11:57 pm 

magno is a fat peace of trash

Alumni on Sun, 22nd Jan 2006 12:40 pm 

I am curious about something. A couple of times there have been mentions here about the baseball coach that at one time was a room mate of Magno’s for a very long time. I understand that they were not currently living together. Most people in town know him (BG). I am in no way trying to start any rumors or anything like that. Those of us that live in this town have been hearing “whisperings” about Magno for many years. I have never heard even the slightest “whispering” of any story regarding anything inappropriate involving BG. He probably has taken more boys on trips over the years than even Magno. I was not aware that they had taken kids together on some of these trips, and as was earlier mentioned, they went to Williamsport to the Little League WS. I never knew Magno went down there. BG has taken boys everywhere. Hawaii, Vegas, Canada etc..Etc. My question is, seeing he was “very close” to Magno and lived with him for many years, he had to know something of what Magno was doing. I am assuming that he had to have some knowledge of what his closest friend and roommate was up to. You would think that as a popular adult in the community also, if he did know something, it would be his responsibility to act, unless he thought the behavior wasn’t inappropriate. I had a lot of people ask me over the years what I thought of BG. Did I think that he was like Magno? I would say that I didn’t think he was like him at all, because I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him. But he is a single guy in his 60’s that has never been seen with a woman. (And I had seen him more often away from baseball than other people have) The only time he went on vacation, he would take a group of boys with him, or many times he only took 1. And he paid for almost the entire trip. I just think he acts in a very similar way that Magno did, and they knew each other very well and he has to have some knowledge. If he didn’t know anything then he is lucky, because if he did, he should be ashamed of himself, and should be held accountable.

MHS on Sun, 22nd Jan 2006 1:28 pm 

Thats a hard call with BG, it’s obvious that Magno is a homosexual and it seems a little irregular that another man (BG) would be roommates with a gay man unless he to was. I know he’s taken alot of boys on trips and the question is why? never any girls or any of the boys parents, just the boys. He’ll be under scrutiny for sure

Alumni on Sun, 22nd Jan 2006 4:54 pm 

That reminded me of another thing, the School Dept. head that was at the press conference with the chief of police was quoted as saying that it isn’t appropriate for teachers to spend time with their students out of the realm of their teaching responsibilities. So teachers basically aren’t allowed to hang out with the students on their own free time. Well if this is the case, why was Magno allowed to get away with this? And don’t tell me that the school dept. didn’t know that Magno hung out with teenage boys outside of school. They let that happen for 40 years as well. The only time that I ever saw one of my teachers after school was if I had to make up some extra work, but that took place in the school room after 3pm. It wasn’t at the teacher’s house 11pm on a Saturday night.

Chas 1985 on Sun, 22nd Jan 2006 8:30 pm 

I never knew Mags was a gay man but to me it doesn’t mean a thing, you can be gay and not be a child molester!! Bring back the death penalty in MA. and throw this scum bag to the top of the list!! I hope BG wasn’t molesting young boys on the trips to the Little League World Series because I’d add him to the list as well!!!

Melissa on Mon, 23rd Jan 2006 1:25 pm 

While I can no longer remember the mishaps, I will never forget the outbursts that Mags was prone to when someone (ususally a high ranking WAVM member) messed up. Remember those? At the time, I wanted to step in, but did not due to the success of the station, and the position that Mags had earned in the community. My jumping in would have been akin to a low ranking Army Officer questioning a General. It just was not done.

Now, I find myself thinking constantly about the real victims– the ones who were being abused behind the scenes. I can understand the reason for the silence. I understand how people would have thought it not possible to come forward. The situation was simply daunting. The reason I am writing is to offer my support for those people. Please know that many of us in the community care about what happened. I, personally, am hopeful that the outpouring of community support will help to give those who were hurt the strength to seek help and recover as much as they possibly can.

Bluesboy on Mon, 23rd Jan 2006 8:59 pm 

I was one of the boys in Magno’s inner circle and because of what he did to me, I know the accusations made by the 17 year old are true - 100 PERCENT TRUE.

Bluesboy on Mon, 23rd Jan 2006 9:08 pm 

Magno was very good at putting on a public face that most people respected and supported - “a pillar” of the community. The only pillar there was in his pants!

There is a very dark side to this man that many have not witnessed or simply refuse to believe. He is the master of manipulation to get what he wants, and it’s obvious what he wanted all those years.

I just hope more victims come forward as I have.

i KNOW he's guilty on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 2:31 am 

I just have a few things to add. First off, Everyone keeps bringing BG back into the conversation, but, unless you’ve actually heard that he acted inappropriately, I think you should hold your suspicions to yourself. It’s straight-up rude to assume he also molested children. I went on a trip once with Bob Graham with two other boys AND a girl. Not that that makes much of a difference, but he made no advances towards me or the other children, at least in my presence. I know America has grown to be distrusting, but, it is wholly possible that Bob Graham was just being generous. I mean, would everyone prefer he spend all of his money on himself, rather than share generously with those around him? I’m not naive, but I’ve never heard accusations or even rumors about BG, so, unless you have facts, I’d suggest some self-control. We all know how talented a liar Mr. Magno was and still is, it is completely possible he lied to BG all these years. Afterall, they did stop living together years ago, it’s possible BG found out and their friendship ended.

Further, in regards to the church encouraging those present to pray for Mr. Magno, last time I checked the church was founded on forgiveness. Magno molested me too, but there’s two options, fostering hate, or fostering forgiveness. Personally, I don’t ever wish to speak to Mr. Magno again and agree that he should be placed behind bars. But, to (i believe it was) AV boy that criticized the church, if you were there to hear that said, you should also believe in forgiveness. Or, in the very least, pray he has the will-power to confess what he did in the past to save the 17-year-old the pain of going to trial.

Bluesboy on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 5:41 am 

I remember Magno rooming with BG, but honestly, the guy was always away on some trip or business, so I never really got to know him.

How about any other of Magno’s roommates? Will they be called to testify? He lives with a former WAVM student now in Hudson, (Todd Boothroyd). Do you think TB can offer anything to the case?

Bluesboy on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 10:23 am 

Let’s face it, the Catholic Church are the last authority I want to listen to when it comes to child sexual abuse. Their credibility is a joke - with all of their own history of abuse.

Keeping religion out of this, let’s discuss what is really important here. I just wish any abused alumni that are posting here will come forward and offer what they know to the police, so Magno will not get away with just a “slap on the wrist”.

Alumni on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 10:53 am 

I have no problem forgiving someone that makes a mistake. I don’t forgive a person that knows what he is doing is wrong, and keeps doing it over and over again. I personally know at least 5 people that have been sexually abused. Each one of them has had their lives “F___ed” up by someone. And to think that most people don’t report sexual abuse. I believe it’s more widespread than we will ever know. So in a situation where someone comes forward and tells what has been happening to them, maybe 20 years from now their therapist can ask them to forgive their abuser, just to help them get on with their life. Once again the church is wrong in this instance and in my opinion has no right to ask for everyone to pray for Magno. To “i KNOW he’s guilty” what is worse, speculation about a person’s possible knowledge of a situation and using his initials to somewhat protect his image, or putting down his full name twice and saying we should leave him out of it. I wonder if BG will forgive you!!!!!!

Bluesboy on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 11:05 am 

No problem. It’s easy for threads to go off on tangents.

He is a pedophile, plain and simple. The question is, how do we turn our rants here into something positive that will not only convict this guy, but send a message to the community that pro-active steps are being taken to prevent this type of problem from happening again.

This web forum is great (thanks Ken Savage) but you people really ought to talk to the authorities if you have information to offer. At this point, Magno’s support has
dwindled drastically from when he first got arrested. So, I believe you will be supported if you come forward and not ostracized. Just my opinion.

Bluesboy on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 11:11 am 

I recently met with Sgt. Wilson of the Maynard PD who is a detective on this case, and gave him my story. He is a very nice, supportive gentleman who is there to help you and this case come to a rightful conclusion. It can’t hurt to talk to him.

Here is his email:

cwilson@MAYNARDPOLICE.com

MHSGRAD86 on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 11:20 am 

I guess I have a lot to say on this subject. My ex and I both attended MHS, our son is a recent graduate and our daughter will attend MHS next year. My son was an WAVM member for the first two years of school. He too was befriended by Joe. Our son fit the criteria that seems to be forming a pattern with victims coming forward, most of the boys came from broken homes. Yes my son went out to eat with Joe and other people as a group. He helped get the skate park going with Joe, he ran errands for Joe. But through it all I never lost the realization that I was the parent, not Joe. It was my responsibility to make sure my minor son wasn’t being mistreated. It was my job to see red flags. I think sometimes single parents are overwhelmed and having someone offer up a helping hand, especially when there are other sibilngs in the family is all too often eagerly accepted by a frazzled parent who may not have the time or money that is often desired by the child in question. I have often been skeptical of Joe, but was always questioning my son. There were some offers that were just not going to happen, Joe wasn’t going to “give my son a new car”, my son wasn’t going to Florida to “check out a new property” even if friends were going. My husband adamantly said NO to both offers.
As a former employee at MCI Concord I can tell you that I always had the belief that once a pedophile was placed in a correctional facility like Concord they would “get theirs”. I can tell you that isn’t the case. Convicted pedophiles get to live with other convicted pedophiles in a nice cozy section known as D9 (or at least that’s what it was called back when I was there). “They” got to eat together, away from Gen Pop, “they” have yard time away from Gen Pop. Basically they lived in their own little world away from the harm that would be inflicted had they been placed in Gen Pop. They even had their own little color coordinated jumpsuits, it was quite sickening to seem them coming. On one occasion after the horrible crimes that were committed against Jeffrey Curley of Cambridge, we rec’d Charles Jaynes and Salvatore Sicari. There was such a huge buzz around the prison that we were getting these losers. I remember them both crying and complaining of being sick and scared (go figure) and they were placed in the HSU (health services unit) under watch. I vividly remember Mr Jaynes sitting on a bench waiting for an appt when another inmate came up to him and said “are you Charles Jaynes”, he smiled and said “yes”. That other inmate took the crutch he was using and swung it right at Mr Jaynes’ head. From that point forward Mr Jaynes learned a lesson, keep you mouth shut. Unfortunately if Joe is found guilty and sentenced to an MCI he wont get the punishment so many people think he will. I don’t know how to end this other than saying I feel for the victim/s and pray they are able to heal. I do however hope that parents will learn that you have a responsibility as well to protect your child. In my opinion of the most recent accusations there were just too many red flags. Maybe its from my years working at MCI Concord but I dont trust anyone! I wonder how often the victims Mother took the time to question the gifts/trips/etc? It just wasn’t the norm.

WAVM Class of 75 on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 12:57 pm 

I would think that forming an “Improper Conduct” forum with anonymous contact info might be a good step to prevent this in the future. Improperly accusing someone of misconduct is extremely serious. Just the stigma of sex abuse accusations would take decades to wash off. Hence great care and involvement by officials (the district attorney and police and probably politicians) would eventually be necessary to setup a fair reporting procedure. Internet chat sounds like a first step, but the option for a group of students to “set up” a disliked teacher could ruin credability in just a few emails.

Imagine having something similar in place the past 40 years. Mags would have been “scared straight-ish”.
I feel a bit guilty since 31 years ago my one sex conversation with Mags would have had a letter dropped in the Improper Conduct box. Ahh, hindsight is 20-20.

99.99% of criminals would not be criminals if they were guaranteed to get caught.

bluesboy on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 1:15 pm 

That is a good idea, WAVM Class of 75. Have you thought about pitching that to school and town officials?

Given this fallout and embarrassing publicity, I am sure that they will take every precaution they can to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Or, at least minimize the chances of it happening again.

WAVM Class of 75 on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 1:33 pm 

I’m sure someone will pitch it. One parent saying “how is the school board going to protect us next time” will get it kicked off, or should anyhow. I think the students at MHS are innovative and may do it themselves, or at least should push the principal and schoolboard into it.
If I was local I’d consider it. I’m in Calif.

MHSGRAD86 on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 1:36 pm 

I certainly remember the Mr Abbott stories. I remember one day a friend brought a camera to school and as I was walking to shop Mr Abbott said get a picture of me and ***** together. I still have that pic and I remember my Mom and Dad saying why do you have this picture?? Then my parents told me the stories that were going around about him. After hearing those stories/rumors I did my best to not let him hug or touch me, however innocent it may have been.

bluesboy on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 1:41 pm 

I heard about Abbott. He was principal when I was at MHS.

Magno deserves a worse fate than working at a Friendly’s though, as Mr. Abbott was reduced to.

85alumni on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 3:14 pm 

Mr Abbott stories?

Alumni on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 3:22 pm 

The only thing I ever heard about Abbott was that he was a little too friendly with a student that was one of his assistants. I thought that was just a story people started when he left. I remember when one of the lunch ladies retired, there was a rumor that she had died. I even thought that the Friendly’s story was bull also. Why would a former principal go to work at Friendly’s where everyone would see him.

MHS 90's grad on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 3:54 pm 

In the 80’s Mags was known to frequent Filenes basement with Mr. Bennett and now we know why. Mags should rot in hell!!

bluesboy on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 4:08 pm 

>Why would a former principal go to work at Friendly’s
>where everyone would see him.

If you’re a registered sex offender or at the very least, your references say you fooled around with your students, chances are, you’re not going to get another principal job anywhere.

Even if Magno does get off with a slap on the wrist (that in itself would be a crime), his reputation will follow him.

Ken Savage on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 6:24 pm 

MHSGRAD86: some of these stories are very troubling to hear. It’s crazy to think that these things don’t just go on on the news, that they happen right here in local towns too.

My advice to everyone here is keep the truth flowing and be careful who you trust.

Victim in the 80's on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 8:04 pm 

MHSGRAD86: What you have to say about the red flags does make a great deal of sense. However, as a victim of Magno’s over several years. There was not a lot of “red flags” around me. I can say I never recieved any gifts like a new car or trips. He lured me in with normal acts of kindness and trust. He was a teacher someone we are supposed to look up to. Then he showed his true colors and at that point I froze, scared and ashamend. I had no idea who to turn to to make it all stop.

My mom always thought that this man was a good man looking out for the good of her son and others. Like you said it is up to us as parents to protect our children. Be there for them. Ask questions of them. Answer questions they may have and above trust no one with there safety and innocence.

Class of 1972 on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 9:22 pm 

I am shocked by all of this news. I only knew Mr. Magno as a teacher in Jr, HS and as the AV teacher in HS. If this is true, shame on him. I hope his accusers get to face him in court.

MHS on Tue, 24th Jan 2006 10:13 pm 

For all those who are quick to point fingers at the parents who failed to protect or the students/community/churchgoers who ask for support of Joe Magno, I ask that you take a second to stop and recognize the complexity of this situation. I sit here today and struggle with the overwhelming amount of people coming forward with stories.

However, it contrasts enormously with that which myself and my friends have experienced. I’m not defending him at this point. But I’d be a liar if I didn’t stop and say that I was around him for hours on end without incident. Friends, who I have not spoke to in over a decade, called me in shock, many of whom went to the movies, on trips and in the car with Mags. People are trying to deal with the fact that we don’t know the full story, and yet the story we remember is one only of fond memmories and even more so, of a relationship/mentor we revered — those are difficult extremes to reconcile.

You simply cannot come down on people as they try to sort through this — it’s a big thing to swallow for adults, forget the kids who now are involved. I just think everyone should take a deep breath before reacting to others, because this is a difficult and challenging situation for those who were affected both positively and negatively.

So before creating convenient profiles for other people in the ocmmunity and saying that your parenting skills were somehow more perceptive than someone else’s, recognize this for what is — a terribly complicated situation among a group of people who grew up in that crazy, “no secrets”, tight-knit place called maynard.

bluesboy on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 1:51 am 

>MHS Says:

>But I’d be a liar if I didn’t stop and say
>that I was around him for hours on end
>without incident.

(MHS), Let’s put some perspective on this.
Most of the five years I knew Magno were without incident, btw. Virtually all of the students that walked through WAVM’s doors for the first time, graduated, and left those doors for the last time, did so without incident,…without being abused.

And, it is certainly understandable why many of the non-abused students are in shock right now - grappling with these allegations made against a teacher they looked up to and loved.

Magno “picked” the ones he wanted to abuse, for reasons people have already mentioned earlier in this forum. Even if it were only
one victim, the 17 year old pressing charges, it is still one victim too many and the guy deserves to be put in jail.

But, we all know there were more victims -
a forty year trail of victims. At least twelve others have come forward and given their stories to the police, and there may be more.

MHSGRAD86 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 9:09 am 

~Victim in the 80’s~
I hear you on the lack of red flags years ago. I remember those years, I lived in what was dubbed “cop corner” and we could leave the house at 8am and not come home till dinner time.We looked forwad to “slugger” the man handing out candy. Very few things set off red flags, people were just more trusted back then. Something given in generosity in the 80’s was usually just deemed nothing more than kindness. I remember working at Donutland when I was 13 and this older gentleman customer always brought me gifts, jewelry, perfume, etc. My parents were suspicious and told me that I wasn’t allowed to accept them. I was mad, I tried to convinve my parents he was just a nice person. He would always leave me generous tips and say nice things. Well when Maynard came out with the sex offender list I made my appt to go and view it and that man was on it. It was creepy and I was so convinced he was just being nice. I hate the way our world has changed so much, my daughter and I often butt heads because she says I am too cautious, but is there really such a thing? Take care

bluesboy on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 9:15 am 

I just read a new article on the subject. Here is an excerpt:

Sexual predators tend to search out the child who gets little attention at home, whose parents are absent or distant. They take them to movies or ball games and provide companionship. They use bribes and instill fear until the child comes under their control, Coakley said.

—

Mustangs used as bribes?? Sounds all too familar. Anyway, here is the link to the article:

http://www.milforddailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=85047&format=&page=1

steve on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 11:12 am 

I’ve known BG for many years and he is an honorable person who truly loves kids (girls and boys)and also enjoys the company of adults. Unlike JM where rumors have been swirling for years..I’ve never heard a negative comment or suspicion about BG. Many of the kids that he helped over the years are now parents with their own children and there is no hesitancy to let their kids be near him. Events like this can make us suspicious.

WAVM Class of 75 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 12:19 pm 

Steve, if you read #10-12 above, there is some input on BG.

MHSGrad86, regarding your note;
“I hate the way our world has changed so much..”

I don’t believe the people in the world have changed much. Compare it to 35 years ago, Mags was still doing his deeds. We still have wars, etc.

People don’t change on their own, we are a product of our environment. Maynard’s environment wasn’t setup to catch Mags, but it will be ready for the next Mags, or other present ones.

The world is improving because we can more easily detect crime thru cameras, these type websites (thanks Ken Savage), knowledge, etc. So, other than nuclear annihilation, it’s looking pretty good. Now for my golf game, that’s another sad story.

Class of 1982 MHS on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 5:04 pm 

Joseph P. Magno is a fixated pedophile. He has (had) sexual relations with boys, preferably 7th to 8th grade age up to 11th or 12th grade, mostly blond haired, blue eyed and light or fair skinned. These are his favorites. Fixated pedophila is an orientation toward sex. Magno is attracted to boys like heterosexual men are attracted to women. There is no cure for this behavior. He could serve ten years for these crimes and it would not change his orientation. Magno is also very very bright and engaging. Using his position of authority and intelligence he was able to perpetrate decades of sexual misconduct including rape under the veil of WAVM and all the other “good” things he did against innocent boys who did not know any better. If justice is done “Mags” will be warehoused in a small cell situated behind towering cement walls for the duration of his life. However, it appears with all his health problems that will not be very long. With all these accounts anyone who would support him would be extremely naive.

class of 1971 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 6:50 pm 

After reading all in the newspaper and hearing this in the news…I am truly disappointed in Joe Magno. I can understand how betrayed some of you feel as he was an excellent mentor and guided (some) students in the right direction….I am truly asstonished that it has taken this long for this to come out and why it went on so long that the administration did not “catch on”….

bluesboy on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 6:55 pm 

Very well articulated and you are 100 percent right(Class of 82)

I am blonde hair, fair with blue eyes and Magno assaulted me, stopping just short of molestation. Something happened and he changed his mind. If he pursued, I would’ve beat his ass with a club!

Case in point: Look at all the blonde young actors he got to host the WAVM Awards banquets over the years? THAT, is no coincidence.

mags = fat on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 7:03 pm 

he is so fat its not evem funny hes like 1000 lbs RAPEING KIDS wow what a fat peace of shit o yeah he smells real bad to

WAVM Class of 75 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 7:03 pm 

I think Mags has always known when to back off. Otherwise he wouldn’t have gotten this far without being caught and punished.

He was shifty with me, only one or two incidences, then he backed away.

Did he ever mention his childhood to anyone? I never heard about it.
I wonder how well his dad treated him.

Class of 1982 MHS on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 8:10 pm 

Right on Blues Boy! MHS had no shortage of tough kids and had they known what Magno was up to, he probably would have wound up in his Caddy upside down in the pond (body of water beside the driveway on Tiger Drive) He would have been fortunate for the cops to get to him first.

Very little mention of his childhood, but he did contemplate the priesthood at one point in his life. He is BC and BU educated.

Class of 1972 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 8:30 pm 

I agree with you Class of 1982,(#76). You explained it well!

jonsie on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 8:56 pm 

I WAS ON THE PHILLIES LIL LEAGUE TEAM FROM 1971 TO 1974, AND B.G. WAS MY COACH, HE IS A DECENT MAN AND IS JUST GENUINELY FOND OF KIDS AND HELPING KIDS, THE MAN IS TOTALLY DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS, SO IF I WAS ALL OF YOU I WOULD KEEP HIS NAME OUT OF THIS FORUM, HE HAD NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH JOE MAGNOS DIDDLING B.S. JOE MAGNO WILL GET WHAT’S COMING TO HIM IN SPADES IF HE LIVES THROUGH THE TRIAL WITHOUT KILLIMG HIMSELF FIRST, THANK YOU!

Class of 1972 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 9:00 pm 

I agree, leave his housemate out of this discussion.

class of 1971 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 9:11 pm 

Yes I agree leave all past and present housemates out of this discussion…they are not facing these charges..

Class of 81 on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 9:55 pm 

Reading these words from other victims has been helpful in dealing with the pain of what JM has done to me over years because I now know it was not me that caused this. These allegations are true and I think anyone that has been victimized by him needs to set the story straight and come forth. I did and I thought it was going to be difficult to talk to the police but it was easier than I thought. The more that come forth the better case the police have (please help). It also has been relieving to finally help do something to put this guy behind bars (I HOPE!!!!!!!!!).
The guilt of not coming forward earlier has been tough but I always thought it was just my issue. The toughest part for me so far has been to tell my story to my family. They have all been very supportive and at the same time in shock. The red flags that have been talked about above I do not think they where there that anyone would have noticed. JM has had us all buffaloed into thinking he was a good guy. Yes he did a lot for a lot of people but what devastation he has caused in so many young lives that have haunted us for years. The parents that are now blaming them selves should not because I do not think they had any control of what was happening. Just a good guy helping the kids out (what a load of Sh#% he fed us).

So please support this 17 year old kid by coming forward to support him and the rest of us through this time of pain so we can put this behind all of us.
I feel I am getting over this but it will take time now that I have been able to speak about it. I also know that I need to talk more about this to get it out and then go on. Please again do your part for the community and yourself, start talking and tell your story so this will not happen again.

ValleyGirl on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 10:17 pm 

First of all, for any of you that were manipulated by this monster, either physically or mentally(or both),- my heart goes out to you for having to silently carry this with you for so long.
I was never a student of his, however, I always found him to be incredibly intimidating. As a female, he even gave me the creeps!
He completely took advantage of the students, parents, community and the system by preying on these young men that were supposed to be able to trust him. He used his ‘power’ to abuse and threaten them for his own disgusting cheap thrills.

I am unsure as to what the statue of limitations is on such charges, however, I do hope that victims can find the strength to go forward to the police to share their memories. They say ’strength in numbers’- Don’t let him be in control anymore. I say give him forgiveness only if he ADMITS his guilt.

I’d like to know where all of his medical AILMENTS suddenly came from? The police had to wait at the school to arrest him because he was out to dinner with some ‘boys’… Immediately after the arrest he comes down with kidney problems, heart problems etc….???? What a coward!

Also, his lawyer mentioned that he did give cars away when he was done with them. You’re telling me that he could fit his fat ass in a Mustang?????

It’s time for Magno to FACE THE MUSIC!(and I don’t mean on ‘AVM)

Wishing peace to the victims - and to those that were ‘fooled’ by this man.

Alumni on Wed, 25th Jan 2006 11:25 pm 

There shouldn’t be a statute of limitations when it comes to juveniles.

bluesboy on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 3:49 am 

Excerpt from an article:

“According to (Magno’s) lawyer, an important distinction has to be made: Magno never bought a car specifically for a student. Rather, he would turn over his old rolling stock when he was finished with it.”

First of all, when I knew Magno, he never kept a car for more than six months,…a year tops. It was practically like giving away new cars to these kids. Lawyer’s can put a spin on anything!

Btw, if assistant DA Michael Chinman is reading this forum, PLEASE look into and investigate EVERY claim made against this man.
There are more victims contributing to this forum who haven’t come forward yet and I really, really hope they do.

young readers help out on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 8:44 am 

The Statute of Limitations is 26 years of age, so unless you are under it, you cannot testify against Mr. Magno in this trial. That said, I am IMPLORING anyone under that age of 26 that has in any way been abused by Mr. Magno, even if you think it was insignificant, to come forwards. Right now the 17-year-old is standing alone on trial. That’s right, 12 people or so have come forwards with their stories of abuse, but all are over 26. That leaves him alone. And let’s face it, his chances of winning are not that high. If you can help out, please, please do so. Let’s not let the 17-year-old stand alone while Magno’s lawyers belittle him as a dishonest, chronic liar and a “troubled child.” That’s just not fair.

young readers help out on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 8:47 am 

The Statute of Limitations is 26 years of age, so that means that every single witness that has come forwards to testify will not be able to testify in the coming trial. That’s right, the 17-year-old boy is standing alone. If anyone reading this is under 26, i STRONGLY urge you to come forwards to the police, even if you think your story is insignificant. Any evidence will strengthen the case against Mr. Magno, and, let’s face it, right now the case does not have enough evidence to be won.

Class of 1975 on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 11:41 am 

Magno fits the profile of a sick pedophile and we all missed the signs. Always only around the kids, flashing money and items of interest to kids. Personally I never cared for the man but it is clear he didn’t care for the girls either. I totally understand how hard it would have been for any student to rat him out, especially in the climate of the 70’s. I only hope that some of the victims will come forward now and make sure he goes to prision for what is left of his life. I also think that a few members of the
school system should answer a few questions. As I understand, Magno left (retired) and was asked to come back. Can you imagine how happy he was to know he had got away with his crimes all those years and now he could start it up again. There had to be a few rumours flying around that the school. No one heard them?.No one questioned them? Even just a rumour in this day should have sent up a BIG red flag.

I also wonder about all the lives Magno has ruined. I was thinking about a former friend that comitted suicide. We never knew why. Could it have anything to do with Magno?

Barbara on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 2:03 pm 

I think that what caused many of us to react with disbelief at first was just what AV boy said. A rumor started before school in Maynard is the topic of discussion by the whole cafeteria by lunch the same day. If the accusations are true, this is truly Maynard’s best kept secret. (Maybe, the only secret ever kept longer than a few minutes at MHS.) I say if, because guilty or innocent, Mags is entitled to his day in court. I have been following this message board since a friend directed me to it. I appreciate that those of us who are victims, either through actual abuse or from having our trust annihilated, need a place to talk. However, one trend in this discussion that disturbs me is the speculation about other adults in town that give of their time and energy to our young people. Don’t let this discussion board turn into a witch hunt. Not every adviser, scout leader, or coach is there to gain access to victims. The vast majority of people who work with kids, whether professionally or in their spare time, do it because they really care. Once words are out there, it’s hard to take them back. I would hate to be accused of a crime that another person committed just because he was a good friend of mine. We all need to be vigilant so that kids are protected from harm, but we also shouldn’t become so paranoid that those great mentor relationships that so many of us had as young people are no longer accessible to kids today. If another adult is abusing you or abused you in the past, report it immediately, but save the speculation for the police. They’ll do their job.

bluesboy on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 2:14 pm 

Hi Barbara,

There have been some mentions of other people in this forum but mainly the discussions have been about Magno and his appalling behavior.

Kids need mentors - positive role models, and I don’t think anyone is arguing against that. I think people here are just making a plea to the school, the parents, the students themselves to exercise more common sense.

Female Cast-Off on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 6:29 pm 

I can tell you having been a member when Danielle Dentino lead WAVM that I was respected as a member. But once Magno returned, he made me feel like he was pushing me out the door. He pushed me out of the position Danielle had nominated me to because it required “30 hours a week” and gave it the position I was in to a dippy boy who had didn’t know his butt from his elbow. He nit picked my radio show apart to where it wasn’t fun. But the 2 boys that had the show after me could say/do/and play WHATEVER they wanted. So even if the charges aren’t true, I’ve felt all these years that he ran that station with with an iron fist and it was definitely a boys only station. How many female GM’s have we had? I know of 2 and only because Dentino nomaniated them while she had the reigns. Again, not saying he’s guilty, but knowing how he treated me, and seeing how he treated the boys (like kings) I always resented it. Now I at least know I wasn’t being just paranoid?

Class of 1975 on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 6:36 pm 

Anyone know when Magno is due back in court?
Is he still at Emerson or another hospital facility? Just wondering if he is also reading all of our opinions?

Alumni on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 7:14 pm 

He is at a hospital in Boston somewhere. I think someone had said which one earlier but I couldn’t find it above. I don’t think it would matter all that much if he were reading this, but I don’t think he should be allowed to surf the net while he is locked up. But what criminals receive while they are locked up is a little rediculous though.

Class of 1975 on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 7:22 pm 

I thought that he made bail and was told not to contact any juvenile and or any MHS students. Was I reading another pedophile story?

Alumni on Thu, 26th Jan 2006 7:27 pm 

He was transported to Emerson the night he was locked up because of “chest pains”. He was at Emerson for his arraignment, and then he got transferred to a hospital on the outskirts of Boston. I think the name is Shattuck state hospital. Something like that. At one point he was at a court for another arraignment.