Former Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of Child

BOSTON, December 6, 2021— A former Boston Public Schools middle school teacher today pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child over a period of years, beginning when he was the survivor’s Middle School teacher, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.

DAVID LOCKWOOD, 54, of Arlington was a teacher at the James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury at the time of the sexual assaults, which began in 1996.  Suffolk prosecutors assigned to the office’s Child Protection Unit secured indictments against Mr. Lockwood in 2017 after the survivor came forward as an adult.  During a hearing today in Suffolk Superior Court, Mr. Lockwood pleaded guilty to indictments charging four counts of rape of a child.  Judge Michael Doolin sentenced him to four years in state prison followed by two years of probation.  During his probationary period, Mr. Lockwoood is barred from having any employment as a teacher and required to stay away from and have no contact with the victim, have no unsupervised contact with children under 18 (except his own child) and undergo sex offender treatment. The Department of Children and Families has been notified of this disposition.  Mr. Lockwood is also required to register as a sex offender.

Assistant District Attorney Audrey Mark, Chief of DA Rollins’ Child Protection Unit, had recommended a term of five to seven years in state prison.

Had the case proceeded to trial, ADA Mark would have presented evidence and testimony to prove that Mr. Lockwood used his position as the survivor’s teacher at the Timilty Middle School to gain her trust and prime her for abuse.  He would often drive her to different locations, including school-sponsored events.  The abuse began during one of those drives in 1996, when the victim was 12 years old. 

The defendant was charged with abuse that occurred through 2000, when the survivor turned 16 – the legal age of consent in the Commonwealth. The actual abuse continued beyond the child’s 16th birthday.  Massachusetts law, however, does not offer the same protection to minors once they turn 16, despite their continued vulnerability to coercive acts by adults in positions of authority. 

“This individual used his position of trust and authority to gain access to his victim and to maintain an unequal power dynamic that kept her silent and under his control.  These are the actions of a predator.  That the victim continued to endure his abuse past the age of 16 speaks to the level of manipulation and control this individual exerted,” DA Rollins said.  “Older teens remain vulnerable to abuse by those in positions of authority, including teachers, members of the clergy, coaches, parents and guardians.  I’m grateful to our partners on Beacon Hill who are working hard to pass legislation that would protect older youth from abuse by adults in a position to exert power over them.”

District Attorney Rollins is expected to testify before the Judiciary Committee tomorrow in support of H.1801/S.1092, which would make it a crime for adults in positions of authority or trust to engage in sexual relations with any minor under their supervision or care up to the age of 18. This bill is sponsored by DA Rollins, Rep. Liz Miranda, and Sen. Joan Lovely.

While the victims and witnesses of any crime should call 911 in an emergency, there are additional resources available to report suspected crimes against children. In Suffolk County, survivors of child abuse and exploitation and their non-offending caretakers can receive comprehensive services at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County. The CAC can be reached at 617-779-2146.  Survivors may also contact the Child Protection Unit at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 617-619-4300. Anyone who believes that a child in Massachusetts may be the victim of abuse can call the Department of Children and Families’ Child at Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200. Those concerned that a child is being exploited online may report a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or www.cybertipline.com.

Catherine McGuane is the assigned victim witness advocate.  Mr. Lockwood was represented by attorney Sabrina Bonanno.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 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.