Statement on the January 15, 2020, Conviction of David Sanchez
January 15, 2020 — Today, at the conclusion of a trial in the West Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court, DAVID SANCHEZ, 39, was found guilty of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and assault and battery in connection with an assault that occurred January 14, 2018. The defendant faces sentencing on January 24, 2020.
“Women have the right to work in any field they choose without being sexually harassed or assault. The survivor in this case showed a great degree of strength and courage by standing up for her rights and helping us hold the person who harmed her accountable. That the defendant is a firefighter, a noble profession committed to helping others, and would inflict this harm makes his actions all the more disturbing,” District Attorney Rachael Rollins said. “I would like to thank the Boston Police detectives and my own staff who worked on this case, specifically Assistant District Attorney Michelle Slade and Victim Witness Advocate Anne Kelley-McCarthy. We will continue to support the survivor and provide any services that she may need going forward.”
Sexual assault can happen to anyone. While the victims of any crime are asked to call 911 in an emergency, survivors of sexual violence can also call their local rape crisis center for free and confidential services and to discuss their options. Support is available for all survivors of sexual violence, regardless of whether they wish to take part in a criminal prosecution. Services by city and town can be found at www.janedoe.org/find_help/search.
In Suffolk County, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center offers a free and confidential 24-hour hotline at 800-841-8371. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center provides medical accompaniment and many other free services to victims of rape and sexual assault. Suffolk victim-witness advocates can assist in referrals to BARCC and a wide array of non-profit service providers who can offer additional support and services.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.