Former TPD officer arraigned on rape charges from 2012 alleged assaults

BOSTON — Former Transit Police officer Shawn McCarthy was arraigned Thursday on rape charges stemming from a 2012 incident where he allegedly sexually assaulted two women while working as an armed, uniformed MBTA police officer.

According to a news release from the state, the victims, who were in their early 20s at the time, were drinking in Boston in July 2012 when they encountered McCarthy outside of the Aquarium subway station. According to the release, McCarthy offered to take the women on a joyride in his marked police cruiser and allegedly said "he hadn't risked his job for nothing and he would not take them back downtown until he got something out of it."

The release alleges McCarthy sexually assaulted both women before driving them back to the area of the subway station and warning them not to tell anyone what happened.

"One of the victims disclosed the assault soon afterward to a male relative. In August 2019 she had to divulge it again while answering required questions as a candidate for a law-enforcement job in another community. Up to that point both victims had believed the perpetrator worked for the Boston Police Department. The matter was initially referred to BPD and further investigation identified the assailant as a Transit Police officer. A grand jury investigation with the MBTA police followed."

The release goes on to say that McCarthy admitted he had two women in his cruiser on the night in question but denied any wrongdoing. He was placed on administrative leave in December 2019 and resigned soon afterward.

Transit Chief Kenneth Green told Boston 25 News Thursday afternoon:

“First and foremost my thoughts are with the survivors of this despicable assault. I’m in awe of their bravery to come forward and assist investigators in holding McCarthy accountable for his heinous conduct. I know McCarthy’s alleged criminal acts will place a stain not only on the Transit Police but all of law enforcement and that is very unfortunate. The overwhelming majority of officers take their oath to serve the public with the upmost integrity and pride.”

According to DA Rachael Rollins, the indictments against McCarthy were returned on Monday, May 18, 2020 by members of a grand jury who were reconvened this week to finish a series of cases they had been hearing prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

McCarthy appeared for booking at MBTA police headquarters and was arraigned remotely. McCarthy was released on the conditions that he have no contact with the victims or other witnesses and must get permission before traveling outside of Massachusetts.

The case returns to court on August 10, 2020.

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