Convicted sex offender charged with assaulting two women at Planet Fitness

<p>Laquan Holland, 40, a convicted sex offender, has been charged with assaulting a woman at a Planet Fitness gym in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after he allegedly brought her to the facility to use the showers. According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Holland allegedly attacked the woman, attempting to strip off her clothing and preventing her from escaping.</p><p>The incident occurred on October 1, shortly after a charge against Holland for failing to register as a sex offender was dismissed, contingent upon his completion of registration. Following his arraignment, Holland was ordered held without bail on multiple charges, including assault to rape, indecent assault and battery, kidnapping, and witness intimidation.</p><p>A dangerousness hearing is scheduled for October 16, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Prosecutors reported that Holland, a member of the Porter Square gym, arrived at the facility around 9 a.m. with the woman he knew, offering her access to the showers. Once inside, he allegedly began to physically assault her.</p><p>Authorities stated that the woman fled into the women’s locker room and shower area, where Holland allegedly continued to assault her. A female employee intervened, but Holland is accused of sexually assaulting her as well.</p><p>When police arrived, they found Holland in the locker room attempting to put his clothes back on. Holland has a criminal history that includes guilty pleas in 2006 to two counts of child rape and one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. He was arrested on August 25 for failing to register as a sex offender, a subsequent offense.</p><p>The District Attorney’s Office noted that Holland, who is homeless and known to stay in Cambridge and Boston, is required to complete registration and verification requirements every 30 days. He had registered late on August 25, which led to his arrest, but the charge was dismissed after he completed his registration on August 27.</p><p>Planet Fitness has confirmed that the franchise operator canceled Holland’s membership and is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. The company stated, "Planet Fitness is committed to providing a safe environment for all. The franchise group has cancelled the membership of the individual involved and is working with local law enforcement to support their investigation into this matter."</p>