Paraprofessional Sentenced for Abuse of Child with Disabilities
BOSTON, June 17, 2022—A former Boston Public Schools employee faced sentencing today after he was convicted of sexually abusing a child with developmental disabilities, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.
Following his May 31 conviction on four counts of aggravated statutory rape of a child and one count of aggravated indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, JOSE MELENDEZ, 55, appeared in Suffolk Superior Court today for sentencing. Judge Jackie Cowin imposed a term of 12 to 15 years in state prison. Melendez will also be required to register as a sex offender.
A jury convicted Melendez of using his position of trust as a paraprofessional at Mario Umana Academy in East Boston to gain access to the victim, who has disabilities that impact his ability to communicate and other areas of his development. The abuse occurred between 2015 and 2016, when the victim was in sixth and seventh grades. The victim disclosed the abuse to a family member after he began high school.
A victim impact statement written by the victim’s father outlined the ways in which the abuse impacted the victim.
“[He] remained quiet and didn’t say anything; he would simply just continue to do his normal activities. Then, [he] moved onto high school and started showing signs of being more distracted with everything. At this time, [he] showed signs of being depressed …. He also lost a lot of weight because he never wanted to eat. He was always sad. Before, [he] would want to go out, but after he stopped and never wanted to go out or go to school, and he would fight with me,” the victim’s father recounted. “It wasn’t until he was in high school when [he] couldn’t hold it in anymore and had to share what was happening with him.”
Parents, caregivers and professionals who work with youth can learn more about the signs of abuse here and ways to respond here.
“It’s incredibly common for children to keep abuse a secret. They may be afraid that no one will believe them, or that they’ll be blamed for the abuse. When their abuser is someone in a position of trust or authority, it can be even more challenging for a young person to disclose what’s happened to them,” Hayden said. “Parents and others who have children in their lives should make sure that kids and teens know that they can talk to you about anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or unsafe, and that they can talk you about these things without getting in trouble. My office is here to support children who have been harmed as well as their loved ones as they navigate paths toward healing and accountability.”
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.
Anyone who suspects abuse of a person with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 59 may file a report with the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission online or by calling 800-426-9009.
Assistant District Attorney Amanda Paull of the DA’s Child Protection Unit prosecuted the case at trial. Jacqueline Ramirez is the bilingual victim witness advocate assigned to the case. Melendez was represented by attorney Joseph Simons.
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s 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 legal 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.