Lynn man accused of rape by homeless houseguest

LYNN – A rape suspect was ordered held on $2,500 cash bail at his arraignment Monday in Lynn District Court.James Bresnahan, 48, of 130 Neptune Blvd. #806, Lynn, was arrested and charged with two counts of rape shortly after 9:30 p.m. Saturday.Prosecutors requested $50,000 cash bail.Authorities say Bresnahan allowed a young woman and her boyfriend, who are both homeless, to sleep at his apartment on Friday night. He allegedly asked the boyfriend to leave around midnight when he forced the woman into a bedroom and raped her.The victim said at one point Bresnahan held a pillow over her face during the sexual assault, according to prosecutors. He allegedly said afterward, “Don’t tell anybody or I’ll kill you.”A public defense attorney sharply contested the alleged victim’s accusations, saying both she and her boyfriend are known drug users who have a reputation for crime.The attorney says Bresnahan has recently abstained from using alcohol and drugs and got upset with the couple after they began popping pills at his home.He said Bresnahan’s sister was home during the alleged rape and didn’t hear any commotion.Prosecutors say Bresnahan was convicted of assault and battery on a police officer and operating under the influence of alcohol in 2004.He’s facing 20 years in prison if convicted of the rape charges.Judge James Wexler ordered Bresnahan back in court May 20 for a probable cause hearing and told him to stay away and have no contact with the alleged victim.