Articles Posted in Sexual Crimes

The city of Boston used to have an area known as the “Combat Zone”. It was around the theatre district. In fact, the building that now houses the Department of Motor Vehicles used to be a store selling xxx-rated movies and books and prostitutes prowling the streets. That has all been “cleaned out” from the area the chase of crimes of morality is still on.

Chapter 272 of the Massachusetts General Laws deals with these so-called “CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER“. Prepare yourself, though, before you read it. For example, “fornication”, otherwise known as sexual intercourse between two unmarried consenting adults, is still on the books as illegal and punishable by jail time. Adultery is still a crime which can send a defendant away for two years and this law has been upheld as Constitutional by the Supreme Judicial Court as late as 1983!

Blasphemy, however, is only punishable for one year incarceration, so we may be lightening up after all.

Not too many criminal defense attorneys are called upon to defend charges of fornication, adultery or even blasphemy these days. However, the laws surrounding the sex trade have undergone changes. These changes are not in attitude, but in application. For example, today, particularly with the internet, the trade has moved onto other venues.

Law enforcement remains in hot pursuit.
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Yesterday, the daily Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog visited the subject of prostitution prosecution with more than a little sarcasm and attempts at humor. I trust I have made my position known as to prosecution prosecutions, not that you asked. The fact is, however, that prostitution is illegal regardless of my opinion. As such, being arrested for it can lead to jail time.
It can also ruin your life in other ways.

Take, for example, a recent case in Haverhill District Court. Malissa M., 29, (hereinafter, the “Defendant”), was arrested on charges of operating a house of prostitution. At the same time as her alleged crimes, she was on Massachusetts probation and going to school. She also had custody of her daughter.

Now? After she explained these concerns with the seemingly sympathetic police officers?

All three of these things, as well as her liberty, are at great risk.

The Defendant decided, instead of getting the advice of a lawyer first, to talk to law enforcement. The police often invite these types of conversations holding out the hope of leniency. Under Massachusetts law, they are allowed to mislead and blatantly lie, in order to gain a confession. Generally, there is no such leniency. In fact, it is not even the officers’ discretion once the district attorney becomes invo9lved. There is, however, a stronger case for the prosecution as a result of such statements.
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Today, the daily Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog checks in on the World’s Oldest Profession and the brave men and women in uniform who combat it every day.

Yes, it is time for a story about law enforcement vs. prostitution.

First, it would appear that a favorite tool of law enforcement is still the Craig’s List web site. This time, the threat to humanity was in Danvers where, earlier this month, two women were investigated and arrested after advertising on Craigs’s List.

Fatima B., 19, of Tewksbury, (hereinafter, “Defendant 1”)was arrested at a Motel 6 in Danvers on Friday, March 6, at 9:52 p.m. Danielle S. 25, of Revere, (hereinafter, “Defendant 2”) was also arrested at the scene, at 8:59 p.m. Danvers police arrested the two women after contacting them through Craig’s List, Danvers Police Chief Neil Ouellette said. Both women were charged with engaging in sexual conduct for a fee.
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Yesterday, outrage erupted in Natick District Court as a Boston homeless shelter resident stood with his attorney as his victims demanded his incarceration. The dramatic scene unfolded when the mother of a sexually abused child chastised the judge for allowing a sexual offender to remain free despite alleged parole violations.

John C., a level 3 sex offender (hereinafter, the “Defendant”) has already been convicted of assaulting Rachel F.’s (hereinafter, the “Mother”) 9-year-old daughter. Upon his release from serving a part of his sentence, he was ordered by the court to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet.

He has not done so.

The Defendant was given several months to comply with a court order to find new housing or find a way to charge the GPS device. He has been living at a local shelter For Homeless Veterans since being released from prison in December.

Without the GPS device.

Now, he was given more time to correct the violation.
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