Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Boston police sergeant facing child rape charges
A longtime veteran of Boston’s police force, Paul Downey earned more than $268,000 last year, city payroll records show.
A Boston police sergeant appeared in court Monday as he faces child rape charges.
Paul Downey, 58, of West Roxbury, was arraigned Monday afternoon in the Boston Municipal Court’s Dorchester division on 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. The specific allegations remain unclear.
A not guilty plea was entered on Downey’s behalf, court records show. He was ordered held without bail because a court-appointed attorney was not available due to the ongoing bar advocate work stoppage, per The Boston Globe.
Advertisement:
Downey is due back in court for a follow-up hearing Tuesday.
A 34-year veteran of Boston’s police force, Downey earned a total of $268,369.10 last year, including more than $110,000 of overtime, according to city payroll records.
Downey was immediately placed on administrative leave, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said in a statement.
“These charges are obviously very troubling and our thoughts are with any alleged victims,” Cox said. “We have faith in the Massachusetts State Police and the [Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office] to conduct a thorough investigation.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com