Thursday, 4:30 PM
Coach at Winthrop HS accused of biting man in jealous rage
By Raja Mishra, Globe Staff
An assistant football coach at Winthrop High School allegedly attacked a man in a jealous rage and nearly bit off his ear.
Richard Fucillo, 44, was arraigned today in East Boston District Court on a charge of assault and battery, as well as one count of mayhem. He was released on $500 cash bail.
The alleged assault occurred last Thursday at around 8:45 p.m. on Washington Avenue in Winthrop, when a 911 call came into Winthrop police.
According to Suffolk prosecutors, Fucillo was driving in the neighborhood when he spied George Sennott walking down the street on his way to a relative's house. He jumped out of his car and confronted Sennott, then kicked and punched him, prosecutors said.
Before fleeing the scene, he sunk his teeth into Sennott's ear. The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he received 150 stitches, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors said the attack may have been motivated by the fact that Sennott has been apparently dating Fucillo's estranged wife.
"[Sennott] said that he felt like the attack was related to his relationship with Fucillo's estranged wife ... that may have been a factor," said Suffolk District Attorney spokeswoman Erika Guilly-Santiago, paraphrasing a police report in the case.
Fucillo also suffered a minor hand injury, a right knee bruise and facial scratches from the altercation, said prosecutors.
A restraining order against Fucillo, prohibiting contact with Sennott or his estranged wife, was issued today.
Calls to Winthrop High School were not returned today. Fucillo is active in fund-raising for Winthrop High and is the brother of the school's head football coach.
