BOSTON — A law enforcement officer is facing charges after being arrested in a child sex sting operation Friday night, according to authorities.
Fall River Police Officer Mitchell Walsh was taken into custody by the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit and charged with enticement of a child under 16, sexual conduct for a fee with a child, attempting to commit a crime to wit attempted rape of a child, and possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug (cocaine).
According to a police report, Walsh was texting with an undercover Boston Police officer posing as a 15-year-old child for 6 weeks, intending to have sex with them. Around 10:40 p.m., Walsh agreed to meet up with the “child” in the area of Monument Street and Walford Way in Charlestown.
During his text conversation, Walsh discussed bringing cocaine, a bottle of Tito’s vodka, and nips, as well as having intercourse with the juvenile, according to the police report.
When Boston officers arrived at the scene, they allegedly found several plastic bags containing a white powdery substance, believed to be cocaine, in Walsh’s car, along with several nips. Officers also called Walsh’s phone to confirm he had been communicating with the undercover agent.
“The conduct alleged is reprehensible and stands in direct opposition to the values we expect from members of this Department,” Chief Kelly A. Furtado said. “We take these matters extremely seriously and are fully cooperating with the Boston Police Department.”
Walsh was on extended leave from the department at the time of his arrest due to unrelated personnel matters, according to police.
The department was reportedly preparing to initiate formal proceedings under the civil service disciplinary process prior to his arrest.
In light of the new allegations, Chief Furtado says Walsh’s employment status is under further review.
“There is no place in law enforcement for anyone who violates the public’s trust,” she said.
Incidents like these are the reason why nonprofits like The Mama Bear Effect exist. The group in Burlington educates adults on how to better protect their children from sexual abuse, especially in the age of smartphones and social media, which can make youth more susceptible to predators.
“They are at a very vulnerable time in their lives because they’re looking for connection with people. They don’t necessarily understand risks,” said Founder Adrianne Simeone.
Even if parents believe their children are safe, Simeone explained that parents can never have too many conversations with them about the importance of boundaries and appropriate communication.
Simeone said that involves parents creating an open dialogue, so kids feel more comfortable coming forward with potential issues.
When it comes to people with authority in the community who behave inappropriately toward children, she said their supposed to protect our youth.
To combat these issues in the future, Simeone explained, “Our community organizations need to do a better job of vetting people who are applying for jobs,” said Simeone.
To view more helpful tips from The Mama Bear Effect, including how to safeguard smartphones, visit https://www.themamabeareffect.org/rock-the-talk-r-internet-devices
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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