Former MBTA officer sentenced in 2012 rapes

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Suffolk County Jury sentenced former MBTA Officer, Shawn McCarthy, 50, to state prison followed by probation for raping two women in 2012.

The District Attorney spokesperson said McCarthy was sentenced to the following:

“Our office recommended a sentence of 6-8 years on count 1 and count 3 to be served consecutively plus 4 years probation to follow on count 2. The Judge sentenced McCarthy to 4-6 years in prison on count 1 and 3 to be served concurrently, followed by 2 years probation to follow on count 2.”

Upon his release, he must register as a sex offender, provide DNA samples, and undergo a sexual offender evaluation and treatment program.

One of the victims appeared in court, but the other did not wish to appear.

The first victim shared in a statement:

“It was 11 years ago when as an emotionally and physically immature girl I was assaulted by Shawn McCarthy. At that age I should have been taken care of not taken advantage of,” she continued, “I didn’t want to acknowledge that I was a victim in my own life. I put my feelings of self-hatred into a box with no intentions of ever opening it. I’ve spent my life since then reclaiming who I am.”

A second victim, who also wished to remain anonymous, shared in court:

“My life was forever changed in July 2012. I lived with the secret of what happened to me for many years. The feeling of being ashamed, dirty, and worthless are ten times worse when caused by someone who was previously in a position of power — someone who took an oath to serve and protect, yet took it upon himself to serve only himself and disrespect others.”

Former MBTA officer Shawn McCarthy is being sentenced for 2012 rapes.

Judge Joshua Wall said, “Officer McCarthy was assigned that night to keep people safe in Downtown Boston, not to meet women. Officer McCarthy’s personal desire to use his uniform to meet women is where this all started, and the night ended tragically and intentionally with three sexual assault crimes. All proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”