Former Boston Teacher sentenced for sexual abuse of child

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) – On Monday, December 6, a former Boston Public Schools middle school teacher pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child over a period of time.

David Lockwood, 54, of Arlington, was a teacher at James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury in 1996 when reports of the assaults began.

During a hearing in Suffolk Superior Court, Mr. Lockwood pleaded guilty to indictments containing four counts of rape on a child. He was sentenced to four years in state prison with two years of probation. While in probation, Lockwood cannot be employed as a teacher, must have no contact with the victim, and isn’t allowed unsupervised contact with children under 18 (except for his own child) and is required to register as a sex offender. The Department of Children and Families has been notified of these requirements.

Assistant District Attorney Audrey Mark recommended a term of five to seven years in prison.

Had Lockwood not pleaded guilty and a trial happened, Mark would have been presented evidence that Lockwood abused his position to gain the victims trust and manipulate them.

“This individual used his position of trust and authority to gain access to his victim and to maintain an unequal power dynamic that kept her silent and under his control.  These are the actions of a predator.  That the victim continued to endure his abuse past the age of 16 speaks to the level of manipulation and control this individual exerted,” DA Rollins said.  “Older teens remain vulnerable to abuse by those in positions of authority, including teachers, members of the clergy, coaches, parents and guardians.  I’m grateful to our partners on Beacon Hill who are working hard to pass legislation that would protect older youth from abuse by adults in a position to exert power over them.”