DA Rachael Rollins Files Petition with SJC to Keep Violent Man in Pre-Trial Detention

Ray Wallace Shot Deputy Sheriff While Trying to Escape

BOSTON, April 17, 2020 — For the second time this month, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Judicial Court to overturn a lower court ruling which reduced bail to personal recognizance for an individual accused of violent crimes, the most recent case involving someone accused of shooting a deputy sheriff in an attempted escape from custody.

“I will always fight for the safety of all the people of Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Rollins. “I fully understand the risk that COVID-19 poses to everyone, including people who are incarcerated.  My office is working tirelessly to review hundreds of cases and has assented to the release of more than 125 people in detention. We have also objected to the release of another 200 who we believe pose too great a risk to the people of Suffolk County.

“Mr. Wallace is such a person. The material risk he poses to public safety far outweighs any claim he is making about his personal health concerns. In these type of cases, I will use all my power – including asking the high court to intervene – to protect the safety of our communities.”

Earlier today, Rollins’ office filed a petition to vacate a Superior Court judge’s ruling to reduce Mr. Wallace’s $1 million bail to non-cash release on personal recognizance with no conditions. “The defendant is dangerous, a proven flight risk, he has no definitive release plan, and ultimately, the relief he requests is moot because, unfortunately, he has already been exposed to  COVID-19, contracted the virus, and is currently being treated,’’ the filing states.

Mr. Wallace has a 25-page-long criminal history, and was awaiting trial for shooting a Middlesex County Deputy Sheriff while attempting to escape from custody as he was receiving medical treatment at Mass Eye and Ear Hospital.

“My office vehemently opposed any bail reduction for Mr. Wallace,’’ said District Attorney Rollins. “How much clearer can it be that this individual poses a flight risk? Above and beyond that failed escape attempt and shooting a member of law enforcement, Mr. Wallace has a significant criminal history.  Accordingly, he was held on a $1 million cash bail due to the serious and violent nature of the pending allegations, his criminal history, and the significant flight risk he posed.  The Court’s reduction of Mr. Wallace’s $1 million dollar cash bail to the non-cash bail of personal recognizance and not imposing a single condition of release is outrageous.

“The only positive is that pursuant to the Court's order, Mr. Wallace remains detained for the next 11 days, and by filing this 211.3 motion with the SJC, we hope his detention continues.  Mr. Wallace deserves to receive medical treatment for his underlying medical conditions.  But it is his own behavior - shooting a Deputy Sheriff in an attempt to escape custody while receiving treatment at a hospital – that makes him far too dangerous to return to the community to receive his medical care.  He must receive that care while in custody.”

Earlier this month, District Attorney Rollins asked the SJC to re-instate bail for William Utley, who has three pending Superior Court cases, including a murder case in which he stabbed Anthony Young to death after an argument, a possession of firearm case where he shot multiple shots in a neighborhood, and a fifth offense Operating with Under the Influence where he passed out behind the wheel at a busy intersection in Boston with a bottle of liquor between his legs. Utley also has a long history of defaulting in his criminal cases, having defaulted at least thirteen times.

A single Justice denied Rollins’ motion in the Utley appeal, but Rollins said she stands proudly by the effort of her Office and will continue to work to diminish any threat to the safety of our communities in Suffolk County.

“I will always use every option available to me to maintain and ensure the safety of the people of Suffolk County.  Always.”

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.