DANVERS — A Beverly man who insisted he was just taking a break from jogging was charged with open and gross lewdness Friday evening after police spotted him sitting on a downtown Danvers bench with his groin area exposed.
Anthony Freddura, 37, of 27 Thorndike St., Beverly, pleaded not guilty to the charge at his arraignment yesterday.
Police were sent to the area of Elm and Holten streets just after 7 p.m. after receiving two complaints about the man sitting on a bench outside the Northeast Community Bank.
When the officers pulled up, they noticed a man in sunglasses and a hat, his arms folded behind his head, and his pants folded down below his genitals, which were in full view because his legs were spread apart, according to the report.
As the officers approached, Freddura allegedly tried to adjust his pants.
Police say he initially gave the name James McElroy and a 1974 birth date.
He told the officers he had gone for a run and was taking a break.
Freddura was released on his own recognizance after his arraignment and will be back in court on Aug. 27.
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