Massachusetts police lieutenant charged with child rape

December 27, 2023 2:47 pm

Ryan Medeiros,

This is a photo of Winthrop police lieutenant James Feeley, who is charged with child rape. (WCVB)

WINTHROP, Mass. (WLNE) – A Winthrop police lieutenant was arraigned Wednesday in East Boston on child rape charges, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden.

James Feeley, 56, of Winthrop, was arrested Tuesday night after an investigation by state police and charged with one count of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Hui said the assaults occurred over the past year.

A judge ordered Feeley held on $200,000 bail. He will return to court Jan. 29, 2024 for a probable cause hearing.

Feeley had been with the Winthrop Police Department for almost 20 years before he was placed on administrative leave Wednesday morning.

Feeley was promoted to lieutenant in 2020 after holding the rank of sergeant for three years. Prior to that, he served as patrolman for six years and reserve police officer for eight years, according to the Winthrop Police Department.