Charlestown man sentenced to two years for refusing to testify in a murder investigation
A Charlestown man was sentenced to two years in jail for refusing to provide information during a grand jury investigation into the 2014 murder of Ryan Morrissey.
Daniel Goggin was sentenced to two years in jail.
Daniel Goggin, 22, pleaded guilty Tuesday to criminal contempt of court, according to a statement from Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley’s office.
During his first appearance before the grand jury, Goggin invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege. During his second appearance, Goggin received a judicial order of immunity, which invalidated his Fifth Amendment claim, according to the DA’s office.
“In spite of that order, Goggin refused to testify on that date and again on March 30,’’ said the DA’s office in a statement.
Judge Elizabeth Fahey ordered Goggin held in civil contempt and prosecutors indicted him for criminal contempt.
Despite Goggin’s refusal to testify, the grand jury returned indictments against Julio Baez, 25, and Alexander Soto, 19, both of Charlestown, and Danilo Soto, 23, of Dorchester. All three men were charged with first-degree murder for Morrissey’s homicide, according to the DA’s office. They were also charged with armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury for the non-fatal shooting of a second victim, Morrissey’s 19 year-old friend. Danilo Soto and Alexander Soto were additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a loaded firearm.
The case is pending in Suffolk Superior Court.
“Almost every unsolved murder case is one witness away from being solved,’’ said Conley in a statement. “If you’re afraid or at risk, we can help you. Boston and Suffolk County lead the state in using witness protection funds. But if you defy a court order and try to stymie a murder investigation, you’re going to face serious consequences.’’
Goggin’s lawyer was not immediately available for comment.
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