09/10/2026
ESSEX — Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex Police worked together to arrest and charge an 83-year-old man with lewd conduct in the Cathedral of the Pines recreation area and are continuing patrols in the area in response to community concerns.
DIETER LUTZ, age 83, of SPRINGFIELD, was arrested and charged with:
Assault and Battery
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct
Accosting or Annoying Another Person
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, Manchester-by-the-Sea Police responded to the recreational area that spans both Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea to investigate a report of a man who grabbed another man and behaved inappropriately.
Officers did not locate anyone on Tuesday, but on Wednesday returned to the area along with Essex Police to investigate ongoing reports of inappropriate activity among people who gather in the area.
An Essex detective walked into the wooded area alone, and was approached by LUTZ, who touched himself inappropriately, requested sexual activity, and touched the officer's arm. The detective took LUTZ into custody at the scene.
Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea Police will be patrolling the area, as community members have reported ongoing inappropriate activity.
LUTZ is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Gloucester District Court.
"Every member of our community is entitled to enjoy our public spaces without fear of coming across something inappropriate," said Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Chief Mark McCoy. "I want to assure our residents that we will be monitoring this area and doing everything we can to ensure it is a wholesome environment for families."
"Families in Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea must be able to access our beautiful outdoor spaces without fear or concern," said Essex Police Chief Thomas Shamshak Jr. "I want to thank everyone who has reported this activity to us."
