Boston Police Sergeant Stripped of Credentials Amidst Child Rape and Sex Charges
The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission has suspended the certification of Paul Downey, a 34-year veteran of the Boston Police Department, following his arrest on charges of aggravated rape of a minor and paying for sexual acts with a child. The swift action underscores a growing commitment to accountability within law enforcement, especially in the wake of heightened public scrutiny.
The POST Commission directed Downey to surrender all official police property on Tuesday, including his uniform, badge, firearm, assigned cruiser, and any use-of-force instruments, such as tasers. Downey was arraigned Monday in Dorchester Municipal Court on four counts of aggravated rape of a minor, two counts of paying for sex with a child, and two counts of electronic enticement.
“Just absolutely revolting allegations and charges here that clearly are unacceptable and incompatible with serving the public in any way,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stated at an unrelated event Tuesday. “We expect and know there will be a full examination into the facts of what happened.”
Commissioner Michael Cox echoed the sentiment, stating, “These charges are obviously very troubling and our thoughts are with any alleged victims.” He confirmed Downey has been placed on administrative leave.
Did you know?-The POST Commission was created as part of a 2020 Massachusetts police reform law. It has the power to investigate misconduct complaints and certify or decertify police officers in the state.
Allegations Detail Online Solicitation and Meetings
Prosecutors allege Downey solicited a 14-year-old boy through the social media applications Grindr and Snapchat. According to court documents, Downey allegedly transported the boy to a parking lot near the South Bay shopping center in March and May. A judge ordered Downey held on $250,000 cash bail this week, and he has entered a plea of not guilty. Downey’s defense attorney has not yet issued a statement.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 29.
Reader question:-How should police departments balance the need for competitive compensation to attract qualified candidates with concerns about excessive overtime and potential abuse?
High Earner with Prior Accusations
City records reveal Downey earned nearly $379,000 last year through a combination of regular pay and overtime, placing him in the top 3% of earners within the Boston Police Department. This significant income raises questions about resource allocation and potential overtime practices within the department.
This is not the first time Downey has faced allegations of misconduct.A 2008 report in The Boston Globe detailed suspicions of an affair with a female recruit at the police academy while he served as a drill instructor. It remains unclear whether any disciplinary action was taken; WBUR has filed a request for Downey’s internal affairs file. Currently, the POST commission’s public database shows no record of prior discipline against him.
A Pattern of Abuse and Calls for Accountability
The case evokes painful memories of Patrick Rose, the former head of the Boston Police Patrolman’s Association, who pleaded guilty in 2022 to 21 counts of child rape and sexual assault. Victims of Rose filed a lawsuit against more than a dozen officials and institutions, alleging a decades-long failure to investigate and stop his abuse.
The POST Commission was established in the aftermath of the protests following the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. A key tenet of the commission’s mandate is the immediate suspension of certification for any officer arrested, charged, or indicted for a felony. this latest action demonstrates the commission’s commitment to upholding that standard and addressing systemic issues within Massachusetts law enforcement.
