Former BPS Employee Arraigned on Charges of Aggravated Child Rape and Exploitation
BOSTON, December 21, 2021—A former Boston Public Schools staff member is alleged to have used his position of trust and authority to groom a child for sexual abuse, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.
MICHAEL McDONALD, 40, who currently lives in South Carolina, appeared in Suffolk Superior Court yesterday for arraignment on three counts of aggravated rape of a child and one count each of posing a child in a state of nudity, possession of child sexual abuse materials (also referred to by the outdated term “child pornography”) and dissemination of materials harmful to a minor.
Because bail is intended for the sole purpose of ensuring a charged individual’s appearance in court, and in light of Mr. McDonald’s willingness to travel to Massachusetts on his own volition for yesterday’s court appearance, Judge Michael Doolin did not impose bail. At the request of Assistant District Attorney Alissa Goldhaber of District Attorney Rollins’ Child Protection Unit, Judge Doolin ordered Mr. McDonald to stay away from and have no contact with the victim and any witnesses, abide by any and all restraining orders, have no unsupervised contact with any child under age 18 including his own children and surrender his passport.
Suffolk prosecutors were precluded from moving for dangerousness hearing under MGL 276 Section 58a because the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that statutory rape, even when aggravated by age, does not involve the predicate level of force or threat of force necessary to qualify under the dangerousness statute. District Attorney Rollins strongly disagrees with the SJC’s interpretation.
ADA Goldhaber told the court that the survivor of the abuse, who is now an adult, met Mr. McDonald through his capacity as Dean of Students at the Dearborn Middle School. He ran a school-based program called “Live Brothers” and founded and operated a private program for male youth called “Family for Life.” Though the victim was too young to take part in the programs at the time, Mr. McDonald ingratiated himself to the victim’s family in order to gain their trust and secure access to the victim. He later became a mentor to the victim and used this position of power and trust to groom the victim – then a child - for abuse. The sexual assaults began in 2013 when the youth was only 15 years old. This conduct continued for a number of years. Massachusetts law, however, does not criminalize rape of a child once they turn 16, despite their continued vulnerability to coercive acts by adults in positions of authority. As a result, prosecutors are only able to pursue charges for aggravated statutory rape that occurred prior to the victim’s 16th birthday. District Attorney Rollins has testified several times in support of changing this harmful legislation.
Mr. McDonald is also accused of photographing the victim in the nude and keeping those images. He additionally sent the victim a nude photograph of himself.
In addition to his roles at the Dearborn Middle School and “Family for Life,” he is believed to have worked or volunteered with a number of schools and programs for at-risk youth, including the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School, James F. Condon K-8 School, and programs associated with Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Boston, College for Every Student, The Trust Project and Straight Ahead Ministries.
“The victim’s family thought they were getting a mentor and role model for their loved one. Instead, they got Michael McDonald, a grown man now accused of using his position of trust to prey on a child,” District Attorney Rachael Rollins said. “I’m so proud of the survivor in this case for coming forward to share his truth, despite the pain and trauma disclosure can sometimes create for survivors. There should be no shame associated with being targeted, groomed and violated. This young man did nothing wrong. I want this courageous young person, and all survivors of child abuse in Suffolk County, to know that my Office is available to provide services and assistance in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally competent environment. You do not have to walk this path alone. We are here and want to support you.”
Earlier this year, District Attorney Rollins partnered with Rep. Liz Miranda and Sen. Joan Lovely to sponsor 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. Positions of trust and authority include those of educators, caretakers, family members, coaches, clergy members and others who work with youth. District Attorney Rollins gtestified in support of the legislation on December 7, 2021. In addition, eight adult survivors of child sexual abuse who suffered assaults that continued beyond their 16th birthdays testified in favor of the bill, which would strengthen protection 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.
Jillian Rose is the assigned victim witness advocate. Mr. McDonald is represented by attorney Dan Gaudet. He is expected to appear via Zoom at his next court date, which will take place February 16, 2022.
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.