Statement from Essex County District Attorney’s Office
A Lawrence Police officer was convicted on charges that he engaged in sexual acts with a 13-year old boy he met on a dating app in Salem Superior Court this afternoon.
After deliberating for about four hours, a jury found Carlos Vieira, 53, guilty of Aggravated Rape of a Child (2 counts) and Indecent Assault & Battery on a Child Under 14. Judge Thomas Drechsler revoked the defendant’s bail and he was taken into custody. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2022.
“I am thankful to the trial team and everyone who assisted with the investigation,” Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said. “This verdict makes clear that no one is above the law and this young man was victimized by someone he should have been able to trust.”
Essex Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall introduced evidence that proved that in the late summer of 2018, the victim and the defendant made contact through the social media app GRINDR and arranged to meet at Mt. Vernon Park in Lawrence. The victim rode his bike to the park and entered the defendant’s SUV, where they engaged in sexual acts. When the victim and his family were evacuating due to the gas explosions on September 13, 2018, the victim recognized the police officer directing traffic at the intersection on Mt. Vernon and Beacon Streets as the man he met at the park. In January, 2019, the victim’s mother learned about the sexual contact during a family conflict. She immediately reported it to the Essex District Attorney’s Office.
ADA MacDougall was assisted at trial by ADA Kayla Johnson and Victim Witness Advocate Rocky Pena. Massachusetts State Police Sgts. Steve Buccheri and Steve O’Connor investigated the case.
“The facts and circumstances surrounding this case are extremely troubling. It is our hope that this verdict will give the victim and his family a sense of closure as they continue with the healing process,” Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque said.
