Man Arraigned on 21 counts of Assault with Intent to Murder
At request of the Commonwealth, judge orders John Boampong held without bail following a dangerousness hearing
BOSTON, June 3, 2020— A man arrested following Sunday’s protests in connection with an incident in which 21 Boston police officers were allegedly fired upon will be held without bail following a hearing today where Suffolk prosecutors presented evidence to prove he presented a danger to the public.
During a hearing today in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court, Judge Paul Treseler denied a motion filed by defendant JOHN BOAMPONG, 37, of Dorchester, to dismiss 21 counts of armed assault with intent to murder in connection with the shots fired incident that occurred in the area of Providence Street in the early morning hours of Monday, June 1, 2020. Judge Treseler ordered Boampong held without bail under Chapter 276, Section 58A, of the Massachusetts General Laws. The statute allows a judge to hold a defendant accused of certain offenses without bail for up to 120 days pending trial upon “clear and convincing evidence that no conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of any other person or the community.”
In addition, three other individuals were arraigned in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court on charges stemming from offenses committed in the aftermath of Sunday’s peaceful protests. One was charged and arraigned for possession of a firearm. Two individuals who were charged only with receiving stolen property and those charges were dismissed by the judge.
“I will always act to hold individuals accountable for acts of violence, and that includes acts of violence against members of law enforcement. Violence against any person will be prosecuted in Suffolk County,” District Attorney Rollins said. “The individuals accused of violence and looting must not overshadow the actions of tens of thousands of peaceful protesters who took to the streets of our city to show their hurt and outrage over the murder of George Floyd. I stand with those protesters in demanding justice and accountability for Mr. Floyd and the countless others who are horrified by that act of law enforcement officers.”
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
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.