Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer Blog
On November 5, 2020, LT, a 43 year old firefighter in a town north of Boston, was at home with his wife and two sons, ages 5 and 6. The five year old son has behavioral issues and throws tantrums when he does not get his way. The family had supper together and the LT’s wife was getting the two boys ready for bed. The five year old began demanding to eat more. His mother told him no and he had a meltdown. Her was kicking and screaming. LT then got off the couch and went over to the five year old. LT told this son to stop screaming and LT started to count 10, 9, 8 … The boy then stood up, stuck his face out toward LT, and screamed at LT. LT had his right hand extended and swept three fingers across his sons cheek striking the boy’s neckline and chin line. LT then picked his son up and carried him into his bedroom and placed him down on the bed. The sweep across the chin/neck area had left very visible and distinct red marks on the five year old’s neck.
The next morning, with the red marks very visible, the five year old went to school. A teacher noticed the marks and asked the five year old what happened and he told the teacher that his father had hit him the night before. The teacher – being a mandated reporter- immediately called DCF and the police. DCF and the police went to LT’s home to investigate and they confirmed that what the boy told them was true.
The police contacted LT and asked him to come to the station. LT was interviewed at the station by the police and DCF and he admitted to striking his son. DCF opened an abuse case against LT and the police filed an application for a criminal complaint against LT at Lowell District Court. DCF told LT and his wife that LT could not be left alone with the boys or DCF would go to court to seek custody of the boys.