Press Release  Lawrence Police Officer Held Without Bail

Lawrence, Massachusetts — A Lawrence Police officer was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing at his arraignment on child rape charges today in Lawrence District Court.

Carlos Vieira, 49, was arraigned today on 2 counts each of aggravated rape of a child and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.  Judge Lynn Rooney ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2019.  She additionally impounded the police report  and therefore dissemination of information contained within the report is a violation of a court order. 

Essex Assistant District Attorney Kim Faitella told the court that the Essex District Attorney’s Office was contacted by the victim’s mother on January 29 reporting that she had just learned that her son, who was 13 at the time, had sexual contact with a Lawrence police officer.  The investigation revealed that the boy and the defendant allegedly were in contact through the social media app GRINDR.  They met at Mt. Vernon Park and engaged in sexual acts on one occasion last summer.  When the boy and his family were evacuated following the gas explosions on September 13^th, he recognized the police officer directing traffic at the intersection on Mt. Vernon and Beacon Streets as the man he met at the park. 

The defendant is represented by Attorney Gil Nason and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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