Woman claims she was raped at Topsfield Fair

TOPSFIELD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Police are investigating after a woman said she was raped at the Topsfield Fair.

Police say a 30-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a food vendor. The woman was waiting to be picked up by her father.

Paul Carson, 44, of Rochester, New Hampshire appeared in court Tuesday pleading not guilty to the rape charge.

Investigators say thousands of people attend the fair every year and that organizers do a good job of screening employees -- which is why the alleged attack is surprising.

Crews packed up the fair this past weekend.

Those who've attended the fair for years say they are just relieved that a suspect is behind bars. Carson is being held on $25,000 cash bail and is due back in court next month.