Boston, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Paul Downey, a 58-year-old former Boston police sergeant, faces serious charges including aggravated rape of a minor and paying for sex with an underage boy. Downey, who has pleaded not guilty, was placed on administrative leave after allegations surfaced. Prosecutors claim he contacted the victim through the Grindr app and arranged for sexual encounters, involving payments. The disturbing case has raised concerns within the Boston Police Department, which is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Boston — Paul Downey, a 58-year-old former Boston police sergeant, was charged with raping a 14-year-old boy. He pleaded not guilty on Friday in Suffolk Superior Court to multiple charges including four counts of aggravated rape of a minor, two counts of paying for sex with a minor under 18, and two counts of electronically enticing a child for commercial sex.
Key facts and charges
The charges first surfaced after Boston police placed Downey on administrative leave following allegations, and he subsequently retired from the department. Downey’s arraignment occurred in Boston Municipal Court in June before being indicted in Suffolk Superior Court earlier this month. Downey was ultimately arrested on June 30, after the case was referred to Massachusetts State Police.
Prosecutors allege Downey contacted the teen through the dating app Grindr and moved the conversation to Snapchat, where they discussed payment for sex. Downey allegedly paid the teen $50 at the first meeting and $80 at a later meeting, and prosecutors claim Downey raped the boy on two occasions. The first alleged encounter occurred on March 26, followed by another on May 11, both near the South Bay Center mall. Downey’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 24.
Evidence cited by prosecutors
Prosecutors say evidence in the case includes Snapchat records that matched Downey’s cellphone number, digital evidence recovered from Downey’s phone, and surveillance footage that captured Downey’s vehicle in the area at times that correspond to the alleged encounters. The teenager provided investigators with identifying information, including a physical description and part of a license plate number. A friend of the teenager took a screenshot of a Snapchat conversation during negotiations for the sexual acts, and prosecutors say that screenshot and other digital records contributed to the investigation.
Additional physical evidence identified by prosecutors includes vehicle imprints that they say are consistent with the victim’s account of how he was positioned during the alleged assaults. Investigators also documented the alleged payments in the timeline of contacts and meetings.
Background on the defendant and department response
Downey joined the Boston Police Department in 1991 and, according to prosecutors, served as an academy drill sergeant who worked with many other officers over the years. Public records show Downey had a gross income of $378,849.25 in the previous year, which included overtime and a base salary of $150,385.39.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox expressed concern over the charges and pledged transparency and a thorough investigation. The case was referred to Massachusetts State Police for investigation prior to Downey’s arrest.
Procedural status
Following his arrest on June 30, Downey was indicted in Suffolk Superior Court and entered a not guilty plea to the charges. The defendant remains subject to the ongoing criminal process, and the next scheduled court date is November 24.
What prosecutors allege happened
- Downey allegedly contacted the teen through the dating app Grindr and moved the conversation to Snapchat, where they discussed payment for sex.
- Prosecutors claim Downey raped the boy on two occasions, paying him $50 initially and then $80 during subsequent meetings.
- The first alleged encounter occurred on March 26, followed by another on May 11, both near the South Bay Center mall.
- Evidence presented includes Snapchat records, which matched Downey’s cellphone number, and digital evidence found on Downey’s phone.
Context and next steps
The charges carry significant potential penalties given the aggravated rape counts and the involvement of a minor. The legal process will determine whether the evidence cited by prosecutors is sufficient for conviction. Court filings and case schedules will be updated as the case proceeds toward further hearings and potential trial. The department has indicated cooperation with the outside investigation and has noted the ongoing nature of the criminal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was charged?
A: Paul Downey, a 58-year-old former Boston police sergeant, was charged with raping a 14-year-old boy.
Q: What plea did the defendant enter?
A: He pleaded not guilty on Friday in Suffolk Superior Court to multiple charges including four counts of aggravated rape of a minor, two counts of paying for sex with a minor under 18, and two counts of electronically enticing a child for commercial sex.
Q: How did prosecutors say the defendant made contact with the alleged victim?
A: Downey allegedly contacted the teen through the dating app Grindr and moved the conversation to Snapchat, where they discussed payment for sex.
Q: When did the alleged incidents occur?
A: The first alleged encounter occurred on March 26, followed by another on May 11, both near the South Bay Center mall.
Q: When was the defendant arrested?
A: Downey was ultimately arrested on June 30, after the case was referred to Massachusetts State Police.
Q: When is the next court date?
A: Downey’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 24.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Paul Downey |
| Age | 58 |
| Alleged victim age | 14-year-old boy |
| Charges | Four counts of aggravated rape of a minor; two counts of paying for sex with a minor under 18; two counts of electronically enticing a child for commercial sex |
| Plea | Not guilty |
| Alleged dates of incidents | March 26 and May 11 |
| Alleged location | Near the South Bay Center mall |
| Arrest date | June 30 |
| Next court date | November 24 |
| Reported gross income (previous year) | $378,849.25 (including overtime; base salary $150,385.39) |
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Ex-Boston Police Sergeant Pleads Not Guilty
- WCVB: Former Boston Police Sergeant Accused of Raping Teen
- NBC Boston: Ex-BPD Sergeant Indicted on Child Sex Charges
- Boston Globe: Paul Downey Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charges
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
