Boston, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Paul Downey, a former police sergeant from Boston, faces multiple charges including child rape and enticement of minors. The indictment arises from allegations involving two encounters with a 14-year-old boy. Evidence includes Snapchat communications and video surveillance. Downey resigned from the Boston Police Department following the accusations and is scheduled for a court appearance.
Boston
Paul Downey, a 57-year-old former Boston police sergeant from West Roxbury, has been indicted on multiple charges including four counts of rape of a child aggravated by age difference, two counts of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under 18 for a fee, and two counts of enticement of a child under 16 to engage in commercial sexual activity.
The charges are the result of a grand jury indictment by Suffolk County, elevating the case to Suffolk Superior Court. The indictment follows initial charges filed in Boston Municipal Court, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 26.
Key allegations and evidence
The criminal complaint alleges that Downey first met the boy through the Grindr dating app around March 26, 2025. After connecting on Grindr, the conversation moved to Snapchat where Downey allegedly agreed to pay the 14-year-old boy for oral sex. Downey is accused of picking up the victim and taking him to a parking lot near the South Bay mall, where he reportedly raped him and paid him $50.
Prosecutors revealed that the victim told Downey in a Snapchat message before the meeting that the proposed payment of $50 was too low, prompting Downey to offer $80 for a subsequent encounter. Downey met the victim again on May 11, 2025, in the same parking lot and allegedly raped him again, paying $80 this time.
Investigators say evidence against Downey included video surveillance showing his vehicle parked at the mall during the times of the alleged incidents. Snapchat records helped law enforcement identify Downey as a suspect through an IP address linked to their communications. The victim provided police with a partial license plate and a description of Downey’s vehicle, a black Chrysler 300. The victim identified Downey in a photo array with 90% certainty.
Employment, custody and other details
Downey joined the Boston Police Department in 1991 and was still employed when he was first charged; he resigned in July 2025. He was immediately placed on administrative leave following the initial charges. At his June hearing, Downey was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail due to the serious nature of the charges and concerns about him being a flight risk.
Downey earned approximately $280,000 in 2024, including substantial overtime, according to payroll records. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox expressed concern about the charges and stated support for the ongoing investigation. Downey appeared in court wearing a polo shirt and a blue surgical mask, with most of his face covered.
Next steps in the case
With the grand jury indictment, the case will proceed in Suffolk Superior Court. Prosecutors will present evidence in pretrial proceedings and at trial if the case is not resolved beforehand. The accused remains entitled to due process, and the court schedule will determine when additional hearings and motions will occur. The next listed court date is September 26.
Background on procedures
An indictment by a grand jury advances criminal charges to a higher court for prosecution. Municipal court often handles initial arraignments and bail matters, while superior court addresses felony-level charges through trials and extended pretrial litigation. Administrative leave is a standard personnel response when an officer faces serious criminal allegations pending the outcome of an investigation or prosecution.
FAQ
What charges was Paul Downey indicted on?
Paul Downey, a 57-year-old former Boston police sergeant from West Roxbury, has been indicted on multiple charges including four counts of rape of a child aggravated by age difference, two counts of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under 18 for a fee, and two counts of enticement of a child under 16 to engage in commercial sexual activity.
Where were the charges filed and what court will handle the case?
The charges are the result of a grand jury indictment by Suffolk County, elevating the case to Suffolk Superior Court. Downey was initially charged in Boston Municipal Court, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
When is his next court appearance?
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 26.
How did investigators link Downey to the alleged incidents?
Snapchat records helped law enforcement identify Downey as a suspect through an IP address linked to their communications. Evidence against Downey included video surveillance showing his vehicle parked at the mall during the times of the alleged incidents. The victim provided police with a partial license plate and a description of Downey’s vehicle, a black Chrysler 300. The victim identified Downey in a photo array with 90% certainty.
What are the alleged incidents?
The allegations state that Downey, first met the boy through the Grindr dating app around March 26, 2025. After connecting on Grindr, the conversation moved to Snapchat where Downey allegedly agreed to pay the 14-year-old boy for oral sex. Downey is accused of picking up the victim and taking him to a parking lot near the South Bay mall, where he reportedly raped him and paid him $50. Prosecutors revealed that the victim told Downey in a Snapchat message before the meeting that the proposed payment of $50 was too low, prompting Downey to offer $80 for a subsequent encounter. Downey met the victim again on May 11, 2025, in the same parking lot and allegedly raped him again, paying $80 this time.
Was he employed by the Boston Police Department and what happened to his employment?
Downey joined the Boston Police Department in 1991 and was still employed when he was first charged; he resigned in July 2025. He was immediately placed on administrative leave following the initial charges. Downey earned approximately $280,000 in 2024, including substantial overtime, according to payroll records. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox expressed concern about the charges and stated support for the ongoing investigation.
What bail was set?
At his June hearing, Downey was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail due to the serious nature of the charges and concerns about him being a flight risk.
How did he appear in court?
Downey appeared in court wearing a polo shirt and a blue surgical mask, with most of his face covered.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Paul Downey, 57, former Boston police sergeant from West Roxbury |
| Charges | Four counts of rape of a child aggravated by age difference; two counts of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under 18 for a fee; two counts of enticement of a child under 16 to engage in commercial sexual activity |
| Initial court | Boston Municipal Court (initial charge and arraignment) |
| Current court | Suffolk Superior Court (after grand jury indictment) |
| Next court date | September 26 |
| Bail | $250,000 cash |
| Alleged incident dates | Around March 26, 2025 and May 11, 2025 |
| Alleged payments | $50 first encounter; $80 second encounter |
| Vehicle described | Black Chrysler 300 (partial license plate provided by victim) |
| Payroll | Approximately $280,000 in 2024, including overtime |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Police Sergeant Indicted on Multiple Sex Charges
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Ex-BPD Sergeant Indicted on Child Sex Charges
- Wikipedia: Paul Downey (Police Officer)
- Boston 25 News: Veteran Boston Police Sergeant Indicted
- Google Search: Boston Police Sergeant Indicted
- Boston Herald: Boston Police Sergeant Indicted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Paul Downey
- MassLive: Boston Police Sergeant Indicted
- Google News: Boston Police Sergeant Rape
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