Warning: This post contains details of child sexual abuse.
Paul Downey, a veteran Boston police sergeant is behind bars after he was charged with child rape in a disturbing case that has rocked the city.
The 58-year-old officer, who has served more than 30 years on the force, is now being held on a $250,000 bail after prosecutors shared disturbing details of the alleged crimes.
According to Assistant Suffolk District Attorney Brandon DeAvilla, Downey met a 14-year-old boy on the dating app Grindr on March 26, 2025.
Prosecutors claim Downey picked up the boy and drove him to a parking lot near South Bay Plaza, where he raped the teen for the agreed price.
Shockingly, the abuse didn’t stop after this disturbing incident, and according to police reports, Downey continued messaging the victim.
On May 11, 2025, Downey met up with the victim again and reportedly paid him $80 for another sexual encounter after the teen complained that the initial $50 payment was “too low.”
According to prosecutors, Downey allegedly penetrated the victim’s behind with his hand and penis on the first occasion.
During the second encounter, he reportedly penetrated the victim with his penis, and asked the teen to give him oral sex.
“The Commonwealth’s evidence that led to the identification of Mr. Downey started with a forensic interview with that child,” DeAvilla told the court.
“Through that interview, we collected Snapchat screenshots showing negotiations for payment.”
During the investigation, the teenager gave police a partial license plate number of Downey’s black Chrysler 300.
Additionally, the vehicle matched surveillance footage captured near South Bay Mall around the time of the alleged assaults.
Downey, who was a police sergeant since 1991, has been placed on administrative leave.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox released a statement calling the allegations “very troubling” and expressing support for the victim.
“Our thoughts are with any alleged victims,” Cox said. “We trust the Massachusetts State Police and Suffolk County DA’s Office to conduct a thorough investigation.”
Downey is now facing multiple charges including, aggravated rape of a child, sexual conduct with a minor, and electronic enticement.
He has pleaded not guilty, and is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on July 29, 2025.
Downey, who made $268,000 in 2024—including $110,000 in overtime—was considered a flight risk because of his financial means and the seriousness of the charges.
According to Boston 25 News, this led to a high bond which was set at $250,000.
“I find the serious nature of the charges, potential penalties, and his financial means pose a risk for flight,” said Judge Jonathan Tynes.
Investigations are still ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of his crimes.
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