No Bail in Public Garden Rape
BOSTON, November 18, 2020— A Chelsea man faces a dangerousness hearing after his arrest this morning on charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
FRANCISCO ROMERO, 38, was arraigned today in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court in connection with a sexual assault committed on Nov. 8 in the Boston Public Garden. At the request of Assistant District Attorney Colleen O’Neill, Judge Mark Hart Summerville ordered Romero held without bail pending the outcome of a motion to detain him until trial. The motion hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 25.
According to Boston police, Romero encountered the 19-year-old victim in the area of Bromfield Street sometime after 1:00 a.m., forced her to walk with him through and alongside the Boston Common, then forcibly carried her into the Public Garden. Once there, he allegedly threw her to the ground and raped her.
Detectives identified Romero as the assailant through investigation that included video surveillance footage from the area. He was arrested shortly after 5:00 a.m. today after leaving an address in Chelsea.
“The survivor of this assault showed incredible bravery in the wake of an horrifying attack. It can be difficult to disclose sexual assault. I want all survivors to know that my Office is here to provide compassionate trauma-informed services and connections to resources they may need on the long and difficult journey to accountability and healing,” District Attorney Rollins said. “The Boston Police detectives assigned to this case did an outstanding job identifying and apprehending the person alleged to be responsible for this violent attack. Suffolk prosecutors will continue to work closely with Boston Police to ensure that this individual is held accountable.”
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 providesmedical 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.
Anne Kelley-McCarthy is the assigned Victim Witness Advocate. Romero is represented by Michael Reinhardt. He returns to court November 25, 2020.
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.