Statement Regarding Arraignments Following Protests and Uprisings in Boston
BOSTON, June 2, 2020 — The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with law enforcement and the courts to arraign individuals arrested after Friday’s and Sunday’s protests in Boston and make recommendations to the court for bail and/or conditions of release that ensure the safety of the public and our communities.
The office will arraign all individuals charged with malicious destruction of property, looting, and other acts of violence if the police reports provided to us support such charges. Others charged with lesser crimes will be arraigned if their history with the court warrants such action.
The process is slow, given Covid-19 safeguards imposed in the court system. As of yesterday, 10 individuals had been arraigned, one was in default, eight were continued for further arraignment, and dozens of cases remain and are still awaiting arraignment.
Among the cases yesterday, JOHN BOAMPONG appeared in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court on 20 counts of armed assault with intent to murder and one count each of unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and failure to stop for police.
Over the objection of Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Fitzgerald, Chief of the District Attorney’s Gang Unit, Judge Mark Hart Summerville dismissed the charge of receiving stolen property and declined to arraign Boampong on the charges of armed assault with intent to murder. Judge Summerville also declined to take action on a defense motion to dismiss those charges. Prosecutors are continuing to gather information relevant to the case, including evidence gathered during the execution of a search warrant on the vehicle Boampong was operating prior to his arrest.
Boampong was arraigned only on the charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and failure to stop for police. At the request of prosecutors, Judge Summerville ordered Boampong held without bail pending the outcome of a dangerousness hearing, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow June 3rd. A motion to revoke Boampong’s open bail on a case out of Plymouth County will also be heard tomorrow.
Three individuals who were arrested with Boampong also appeared in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court yesterday. CHANA HARRIS was arraigned on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. Judge Summerville denied our request to hold a dangerousness hearing for Mr. Harris, which would have kept him off of the street until that hearing, and instead imposed a $5,000 bail. KAY GRANT and TERRELL HARRIS each appeared before the court on charges of receiving stolen property. Over the objection of our office, Judge Summerville dismissed those charges against the individuals.
In addition, eight adults were arrested during protests on Friday, May 29, 2020, and six of them were arraigned in the Central Division of the BMC on a variety of charges; two adults arrested on that date will appear in the Roxbury Division of the BMC, currently scheduled for August 3, 2020, and one juvenile is expected to appear in court at a later date.
“Unfortunately, the actions of several unruly and violent individuals are overshadowing the actions of tens of thousands of peaceful, but outraged protesters who gathered all across our beautiful City to demand justice and accountability for this latest group of Black people killed by members of law enforcement or their proxy across the country,’’ said DA Rollins. “More troubling is that several police officers and civilians were injured as a result of that violent uprising. We wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery.
“I state unequivocally, my discontent is not with the overwhelming majority of police officers who serve our communities with dignity and pride, who are culturally competent and bring honor to the badge they wear. No, my outrage is laser focused on the rogue few who believe that they can kill with impunity. And they have been empowered to do so by Mayors across the country that will not fire them and District Attorney’s across the country that will not prosecute them. That stops now.
“Violence against all human beings - those perpetrated against the police and by the police – is unacceptable and will be prosecuted in Suffolk County. We cannot honor George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Tayler, Tony McDade, David McAtee - all victims of violence – by perpetuating more violence. That does not honor their memory and legacy. But for all of those asking for peace, I ask: what are you doing for justice?”
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless found 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.