LOWELL, Mass. – A Massachusetts cop was indicted Wednesday on charges that he raped a homeless 16-year-old while working for a city outreach program in 2016, according to reports.
Lowell police officer Kevin Garneau, 49, was arraigned and charged Thursday with two counts of rape, the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office said.
In 2016, Garneau was working with a city program that provided assistance to individuals dealing with homelessness or substance abuse, Boston 25 reported.
Prosecutors said Garneau entered the tent of a homeless 16-year-old and told her there was a warrant for her arrest. Moreover, he reportedly promised not to arrest her in return for sexual favors, according to prosecutors.
Lowell police became aware of the allegations in January. As a result, they began an investigation, boston.com reported.
Garneau, a 19-year veteran of the police department, was placed on administrative duties as the investigation developed.
“I’m astonished and deeply disappointed,” said Superintendent of Police Raymond Kelly Richardson in a news release. “I acted as soon as we were made aware of these allegations. This is not what the men and women of the Lowell PD represent.”
The homeless girl has accused Garneau of raping her three times within a two-month period in 2016. Furthermore, she claims he threw cash at her and told her to “get help” after each alleged encounter.
Garneau was released on his own recognizance, ordered to wear a GPS monitor and stay away from the victim. He is on unpaid leave while the case continues, boston.com reported.