A 19 year old Tewksbury man has been indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on several Massachusetts Sex Crimes Charges after allegedly trying to blackmail the purported 15 year old victim with photographs he had taken.
Thomas Hutchinson has been indicted on Rape of a Child by Force; Assault with Intent to Rape; Attempted Extortion; Indecent Assault & Battery on a Child Over 14; and Unlawful Possession of Child Pornography.
According to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Hutchinson allegedly met the 15 year old girl after an online encounter. Prior to meeting, the girl reportedly sent him photos of her in her bathing suit and eventually nude photographs.
According to police, Hutchinson then allegedly threatened to post the photos online if the girl didn’t have sex with him and his friend; and also allegedly threatened to rape her if she refused to meet him or even called the police to report the incident.
Eventually, the indictment alleges that Hutchinson met the girl, got her into his car and allegedly forced her to perform sexual acts.
Despite the allegations, the substance of the charges against this man are that he raped a young girl. In assessing the strength and weaknesses of the prosecutions case, the defendant will most certainly need to examine any forensic evidence agains him, particularly whether a rape exam was conducted – which could tend to disprove whether there was any evidence of a forced sexual act.
The Massachusetts Sex Crime of Rape of a Child by Force is punishable in state prison for any term of years up to life. By definition, Rape of a Child by Force involves compelling a a child under 16 to perform a sexual act against her will.
As with most Massachusetts Sex Crimes, a conviction for this offense carries several collateral consequences aside from potential imprisonment, including Sex Offender Registration.
Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis is available 24/7 for consultation on all Massachusetts Sex Crimes Charges, including Rape of a Child by Force and Indecent Assault & Battery on a Child.
To schedule a Free Consultation, Click Here to Contact a Boston Sex Crimes Lawyer or call 617-325-9500.
Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis may also be reached at lefteris@travayiakis.com.