Officer Mitchell Walsh of the Fall River Police Department faces serious charges after being arrested by the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit. These charges include enticement of a child under 16, sexual conduct for a fee with a child, attempt to commit a crime (attempted rape of a child), and possession with intent to distribute a class B drug (cocaine).
The arrest stemmed from a six-week undercover operation where Walsh engaged in text communication with an officer posing as a 15-year-old child. Walsh arranged a meeting, intending to engage in sexual acts and bring cocaine and alcohol.
Upon his arrival at the meeting location, Walsh was arrested. Police seized cocaine from his car. He was subsequently transported to Nashua Street Jail.
The Fall River Police Department issued a statement condemning Walsh's actions, stating that his conduct is "reprehensible" and violates public trust. Walsh was already on extended leave for an unrelated matter, and his employment is now under further review.
A Fall River police officer is facing multiple charges after being arrested by the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit Friday night for intent to have sex with a minor.
According to a police report, Officer Mitchell Walsh began messaging a Boston police officer posing as a 15-year-old child six weeks ago. The text communication began after the Human Trafficking Unit posted undercover advertisements on multiple websites used for purchasing sex from trafficked victims.
At around 10:40 p.m., Walsh and the undercover officer arranged to meet in the area of Monument Street and Walford Way in Charlestown, and Walsh discussed bringing cocaine, a bottle of Tito’s vodka, and nips, as well as his intention to have sexual intercourse with the child. Upon his arrival, Walsh was placed under arrest, according to the police report.
From Walsh’s car, officers seized multiple plastic bags containing a white substance they believed to be cocaine, an empty pen containing cocaine, as well as the aforementioned alcohol bottles. After calling Walsh’s phone to confirm his correspondence with the undercover officer, Boston police transported Walsh to Nashua Street Jail.
Walsh is being charged with enticement of a child under 16, sexual conduct for a fee with a child, attempt to commit a crime to wit attempted rape of a child, and possession with attempt to distribute a class B drug (cocaine).
According to a Saturday statement from the Fall River Police Department, Walsh was already on extended leave for an unrelated reason, and the Department was “preparing to initiate formal proceedings under the civil service disciplinary process.” Following his arrest, Walsh’s employment is now under further review.
“The conduct alleged is reprehensible and stands in direct opposition to the values we expect from members of this Department,” Chief Kelly A. Furtado said in the statement. “There is no place in law enforcement for anyone who violates the public’s trust.”
No further details were immediately available.
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