Orange Line attacker held at high bail

Joseph Balistreri, the man accused of attacking two young women on the MBTA's Orange Line, is being held on $18,000 bail following a Dec. 6 arraignment.

Balistreri, of Somerville, allegedly violated the civil rights of two young women on an Orange Line train by kicking them while using a variety of slurs, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley.

Balistreri was arraigned in Charlestown District Court on two counts of civil rights violations, two counts of assault and battery, and single counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after being arrested at his home Saturday. He has been ordered to stay away from the two women and off the MBTA while his case is pending.

Shortly before 11 p.m. on Nov. 19, authorities say, Balistreri approached the 18- and 19-year-old victims as they sat on an inbound train at Sullivan Station. After allegedly calling both young women "lesbians" and referring to one of them with an ethnic slur, he allegedly punched and kicked at them, hitting one in the face and the other in the chest. He also allegedly spat at both of them.

"No one should have to endure the verbal and physical abuse these two victims suffered," Conley said. "That behavior will not be tolerated -- period."

Balistreri was represented by attorney Thomas McCormick. He will return to court on Dec. 17.