A former paraprofessional on the East Boston public faculty Mario Umana Academy has been convicted of repeated rape of a developmentally disabled pupil in his care.
Jose Melendez, 55, was discovered responsible Tuesday in Suffolk County Superior Court of 5 counts of aggravated statutory rape of a kid below 14. He’s scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Jackie Cowin on June 17.
“It is a tragedy for a child who lives with disabilities to be abused by an individual entrusted with their care and wellbeing. It’s a greater tragedy when that abuse goes unreported,” Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden stated in a press release. “I’m deeply impressed by the survivor in this case, who overcame tremendous challenges to help hold his abuser accountable.”
The male sufferer was within the sixth and seventh grades when he was repeatedly raped by Melendez. Despite what the DA’s workplace describes as “significant limitations in his ability to communicate,” the kid was in a position to inform a member of the family concerning the abuse, who then informed the authorities.
Melendez made $32,490 in his position in 2016, in line with a Herald payroll database. This price decreased to $31,745.44 the subsequent yr and decreased right down to $15,830.78 in 2019, in line with openpayrolls.com, and he’s listed as incomes solely $5,864.50 in 2020, presumably his pay earlier than an indictment on the rape costs got here in March of that yr.
A request for remark despatched to Boston Public Schools Thursday afternoon, together with data on when Melendez was first employed on the kindergarten by eighth grade faculty and whether or not a background test was carried out, was not instantly returned.
“The responsibility to create safe schools and communities for our children falls on all of us. Child abuse is more prevalent than any of us would like to acknowledge,” Hayden stated in his assertion. “We must begin uncomfortable conversations on this issue to not only prevent another child from being harmed but to ensure victims know that, when they come forward, they will be listened to and supported.”
Any sufferer or witness of any crime can name 911, his workplace stated, however added there are extra witnesses for youngster victims. Those embrace the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, at 617-779-2146; the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families’ Child at Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or cybertipline.com. Survivors of kid abuse can contact the Child Protection Unit on the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 617-619-4300.
Anyone who suspects abuse of a disabled particular person might file a report with the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission on-line or by calling 1-800-426-9009.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”