Former Boston police sergeant pleads not guilty to child rape charges; released on bail after arraignment
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 29, 2025, 19:39 IST
Former Boston Police Sergeant Pleads Not Guilty to Child Rape Charges
( Image credit : ANI )
Former Boston police sergeant Paul Downey, 58, pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to multiple charges, including aggravated rape of a minor, paying for sex with a child, and electronic enticement. Prosecutors allege he used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters with a 14-year-old boy in March and May 2025, with supporting evidence from digital records, surveillance footage, and vehicle details. Downey, a 34-year veteran, has been released on bail and retired from the force.
TLDR
Former Boston police sergeant Paul Downey, 58, pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to multiple child rape and exploitation charges, including aggravated rape of a minor, paying for sex with a child, and electronic enticement. Prosecutors allege that Downey used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters with a 14-year-old boy, paying him during two meetings in March and May 2025. Evidence includes documented Snapchat communications, surveillance footage, and details from Downey’s vehicle consistent with the victim’s account. Downey, a 34-year veteran who retired after being placed on leave, was released on bail following his arraignment. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
A retired Boston police sergeant facing multiple child rape charges pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court on Friday. Court records show the former officer, Paul Downey, 58, was released on bail following his arraignment.
Downey, a 34 year veteran of the Boston Police Department, was first arraigned in June 2025 in Boston Municipal Court. He faces four counts of aggravated rape of a minor, two counts of paying for sex with a child under 18, and two counts of electronically enticing a child for commercial sex.
Earlier this month, a Suffolk County grand jury indicted Downey on the same charges. Prosecutors allege the former officer used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters with a 14 year old boy, including discussions over payment.
According to prosecutors, Downey met the teen twice once in March and again in May. On both occasions, he allegedly picked the child up in Dorchester, drove to South Bay Center, and sexually assaulted him. The teen was reportedly paid $50 during the first meeting and $80 during the second.
Court filings state that a friend of the victim documented the Snapchat negotiations, capturing Downey allegedly responding to the boy’s message, “I’m 14… you’re asking me to commit a crime” by offering a higher payment.
Prosecutors say the boy also shared live updates with his friend during the encounters, sending Downey’s alleged license plate number and messages such as “he’s here” and “bag secured period.”
Investigators later obtained Snapchat records and digital evidence from Downey’s cellphone, which allegedly confirmed communication with the teen. Police also reported that Downey’s vehicle had unique features including footprints on the ceiling consistent with the victim’s description of the assaults.
Boston police placed Downey on administrative leave when the allegations surfaced in June. A department spokesperson later confirmed that he has since retired. Payroll records show Downey earned more than $378,000 in 2024, including overtime and retroactive pay on top of his $150,000 base salary.
Prosecutors say additional evidence includes surveillance footage from May, which captured a vehicle with distinctive taillights entering and leaving the area near the meeting site. Assistant District Attorney Brandon DeAvilla emphasized in court that the case relies on more than the victim’s testimony: “We have pictures of the communications through Snapchat, where the individual is talking to the username that the Commonwealth alleges is the defendant.” Downey’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
FAQ
1. What charges does Paul Downey face?
He faces four counts of aggravated rape of a minor, two counts of paying for sex with a child under 18, and two counts of electronically enticing a child for commercial sex.
2. What evidence have prosecutors presented?
Prosecutors cite Snapchat records, messages documented by the victim’s friend, surveillance footage, and details from Downey’s vehicle that align with the victim’s description.
3. What is Downey’s status with the Boston Police Department?
He was placed on administrative leave when the allegations surfaced in June 2025 and has since retired from the department.
Former Boston police sergeant Paul Downey, 58, pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to multiple child rape and exploitation charges, including aggravated rape of a minor, paying for sex with a child, and electronic enticement. Prosecutors allege that Downey used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters with a 14-year-old boy, paying him during two meetings in March and May 2025. Evidence includes documented Snapchat communications, surveillance footage, and details from Downey’s vehicle consistent with the victim’s account. Downey, a 34-year veteran who retired after being placed on leave, was released on bail following his arraignment. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
A retired Boston police sergeant facing multiple child rape charges pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court on Friday. Court records show the former officer, Paul Downey, 58, was released on bail following his arraignment.
Downey, a 34 year veteran of the Boston Police Department, was first arraigned in June 2025 in Boston Municipal Court. He faces four counts of aggravated rape of a minor, two counts of paying for sex with a child under 18, and two counts of electronically enticing a child for commercial sex.
Earlier this month, a Suffolk County grand jury indicted Downey on the same charges. Prosecutors allege the former officer used Snapchat to arrange sexual encounters with a 14 year old boy, including discussions over payment.
According to prosecutors, Downey met the teen twice once in March and again in May. On both occasions, he allegedly picked the child up in Dorchester, drove to South Bay Center, and sexually assaulted him. The teen was reportedly paid $50 during the first meeting and $80 during the second.
Court filings state that a friend of the victim documented the Snapchat negotiations, capturing Downey allegedly responding to the boy’s message, “I’m 14… you’re asking me to commit a crime” by offering a higher payment.
Prosecutors say the boy also shared live updates with his friend during the encounters, sending Downey’s alleged license plate number and messages such as “he’s here” and “bag secured period.”
Investigators later obtained Snapchat records and digital evidence from Downey’s cellphone, which allegedly confirmed communication with the teen. Police also reported that Downey’s vehicle had unique features including footprints on the ceiling consistent with the victim’s description of the assaults.
Boston police placed Downey on administrative leave when the allegations surfaced in June. A department spokesperson later confirmed that he has since retired. Payroll records show Downey earned more than $378,000 in 2024, including overtime and retroactive pay on top of his $150,000 base salary.
Prosecutors say additional evidence includes surveillance footage from May, which captured a vehicle with distinctive taillights entering and leaving the area near the meeting site. Assistant District Attorney Brandon DeAvilla emphasized in court that the case relies on more than the victim’s testimony: “We have pictures of the communications through Snapchat, where the individual is talking to the username that the Commonwealth alleges is the defendant.” Downey’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
FAQ
1. What charges does Paul Downey face?
He faces four counts of aggravated rape of a minor, two counts of paying for sex with a child under 18, and two counts of electronically enticing a child for commercial sex.
2. What evidence have prosecutors presented?
Prosecutors cite Snapchat records, messages documented by the victim’s friend, surveillance footage, and details from Downey’s vehicle that align with the victim’s description.
3. What is Downey’s status with the Boston Police Department?
He was placed on administrative leave when the allegations surfaced in June 2025 and has since retired from the department.