Former BPS Employee Guilty of Sexually Abusing Disabled Student

BOSTON, June 2, 2022—A Suffolk Superior Court jury earlier this week convicted a former Boston Public Schools paraprofessional on charges he repeatedly abused a developmentally disabled student, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

On Tuesday, a trial jury convicted JOSE MELENDEZ, 55, of five counts of aggravated statutory rape of a child under 14.  He faces sentencing on June 17.

Assistant District Attorney Amanda Paull of Hayden’s Child Protection Unit presented evidence and testimony at trial to prove that Melendez, while employed as a paraprofessional at the Mario Umana Academy, repeatedly raped a developmentally disabled student.  The victim was in the sixth and seventh grades when the assaults occurred. Despite significant limitations in his ability to communicate, the victim was able to disclose the abuse to a family member.  That disclosure led to an investigation by the Boston Police Department and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office that resulted in indictments in March 2020.

“It is a tragedy for a child who lives with disabilities to be abused by an individual entrusted with their care and wellbeing.  It’s a greater tragedy when that abuse goes unreported. I’m deeply impressed by the survivor in this case, who overcame tremendous challenges to help hold his abuser accountable,” District Attorney Hayden said.  “The responsibility to create safe schools and communities for our children falls on all of us.  Child abuse is more prevalent than any of us would like to acknowledge.  We must begin uncomfortable conversations on this issue to not only prevent another child from being harmed but to ensure victims know that, when they come forward, they will be listened to and supported.”

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 disabled individual may file a report with the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission online or by calling 800-426-9009.

Jacqueline Ramirez is the bilingual victim witness advocate assigned to the case.  Melendez is represented by attorney Joseph Simons.  Sentencing before Judge Jackie Cowin is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. on June 17 in courtroom 817 of Suffolk Superior Court.

 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.