Man Sentenced to 15-18 Years for Bombing Near Police Station
Asim Kieta detonated device, injuring three officers
BOSTON, January 31, 2020— A man found guilty of planting and detonating an improvised explosive device next to a Boston Police cruiser parked on a busy South Boston bridge was sentencing yesterday to 15 to 18 years in state prison and five years of probation to follow, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins announced.
Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Locke, in a jury waived trial, found ASIM KIETA, 45, guilty of detonating an improvised explosive device near District C-6 on January 20, 2017. The device detonated in two stages and the second blast injured three officers who were clearing the area of pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic during the morning rush hour. The Office is thankful each officer recovered fully. The investigation was aided by pedestrian witnesses who got involved because they saw something and said something.
“This was an act of violence designed to inflict injury,’’ said District Attorney Rollins. “Police officers have an incredibly difficult, and at time dangerous, job. They are here to help us and protect the community from harm. My office will hold people accountable when they are violent or cause serious harm to others. I thank Assistant District Attorney David McGowan and Victim Witness Advocate Tina Nguyen for their work on this case.’’
Kieta was represented by attorney John Tardif.
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.