Repeat Sex Offender Charged with Rape
BOSTON, August 6, 2020— A Level 3 sex offender recently released on bail in a violent 2018 rape was arraigned today on new sexual assault charges, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.
SHAWN McCLINTON, 39, was arraigned in the Dorchester division of Boston Municipal Court on charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping for the purpose of sexual assault, strangulation and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Assistant District Attorney Michael V. Glennon requested that McClinton be held on $250,000 bail and that his bail be revoked in the 2018 sexual assault case, which remains pending in Suffolk Superior Court. Judge Lisa Grant imposed $500,000 bail and revoked McClinton’s open bail.
Prosecutors told the court that McClinton met the victim Tuesday evening, and the two traveled together from Quincy to a location in Dorchester. When the victim attempted to leave on Wednesday morning, McClinton allegedly held the victim against her will and raped her at knife point. The victim suffered injuries, including lacerations and bruising, in the attack but was able to flee. A concerned passerby observed her injuries and called 911.
“This individual has violently and sexually assaulted women and children in the past. His release on July 15th allowed him the opportunity to sexually assault and harm again. And unfortunately, he did. I’m grateful to Boston Police sexual assault detectives and my prosecutors and advocates for providing compassionate support to the survivor of McClinton's most recent sexual assault, and for their work helping hold the alleged attacker accountable for these reprehensible acts,” District Attorney Rollins said.
McClinton had been held on $15,000 bail since his arrest February 19, 2018, on charges of kidnapping and two counts each of aggravated rape and assault and battery. He was released on July 15, 2020, when $15,000 was posted by the Massachusetts Bail Fund.
“According to its website, the Massachusetts Bail Fund’s stated mission is to 'Free Them All' and provide bails of up to $2,000 in Essex, Suffolk and Worcester Counties. These bails are often posted for low-level, misdemeanor offenses which end up punishing poor people and not serving any legal or public safety purpose,” District Attorney Rollins said. “However, aggravated rape, kidnapping for the purpose of sexual assault, strangulation and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon are not low-level misdemeanors. They are violent felonies. And the person they bailed out is a sexual predator that hurts and rapes women and children. The Bail Fund posted $15,000 and set McClinton loose on our community. They don't care that he is a Level 3 sex offender. They don't care that he has raped women and children before. They have no responsibility to or compassion for the victims and survivors of his crimes, or the families that he has destroyed. I do. And my office will do the hard work of getting his latest victim all of the treatment and services she needs. We will be with her throughout the entire legal process and beyond."
Sexual assault can happen to anyone. While the victims of any crime are asked to call 911 in an emergency, survivors of sexual violence can also call their local rape crisis center for free and confidential services and to discuss their options. Support is available for all survivors of sexual violence, regardless of whether they wish to take part in a criminal prosecution. Services by city and town can be found at www.janedoe.org/find_help/search.
In Suffolk County, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center offers a free and confidential 24-hour hotline at 800-841-8371. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center provides medical accompaniment and many other free services to victims of rape and sexual assault. Suffolk victim-witness advocates can assist in referrals to BARCC and a wide array of non-profit service providers who can offer additional support and services.
Nicole Crosta is the assigned Victim Witness Advocate. McClinton was represented at arraignment by Byron Knight. The case returns to court September 4, 2020.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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.