Massachusetts State Police suspend two troopers following Martha’s Vineyard rape investigation

Two Massachusetts State Police troopers, Ryan Costello and Robert Branca, have been suspended with pay following an investigation into an alleged rape that occurred in August at temporary housing units in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard.

The suspect, 27-year-old Edward Joseph Brown, an assistant security administrator at Boston Latin Academy, has been charged with felony rape. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred while Brown was visiting Trooper Costello at the barracks complex. Brown has pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bail; a pretrial hearing is set for December 11.

In response to the incident, the Massachusetts State Police announced a policy change that prohibits overnight guests from staying at barracks property on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Governor Maura Healey supported the suspensions and the new visitation rules, stating the agency must ensure accountability for the alleged perpetrator.