Registered Sex Offender Arrested For Child Pornography

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

Department of Justice

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins
District of Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         CONTACT:  CHRISTINA DiIORIO-STERLING
February 24, 2022                                                                              Phone (617) 748-3356
www.justice.gov/usao/ma/news.html                                             usama.media@usdoj.gov

REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Defendant previously convicted of child sex offenses in New Hampshire

BOSTON – A lifetime Level 1 sex offender was arrested and charged by criminal complaint yesterday for possession of child pornography.

Eric Robert Johnson, 49, of Billerica, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Johnson will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging document, a search of Johnson’s residence resulted in the recovery of a laptop computer and other electronic devices, including multiple hard drives that were found hidden in Johnson’s ceiling. A preliminary review revealed that at least one of Johnson’s electronic devices contained images and videos depicting child pornography, including videos of children as young as approximately six to ten-years-old. Forensic review of the devices remains ongoing.

Additionally, according to the criminal complaint, during the search of Johnson’s residence, diapers were found and at least three mutilated dolls with the vaginal region sliced to make a hole in each doll’s body. Two children’s backpacks containing various children’s clothing including bathing suits and a nightgown were found under his bed and a bag of children’s costumes along with a sex toy were recovered in the basement.

Johnson was previously convicted in 1992 on state charges in New Hampshire of two counts of rape of a child with force.

The charge of possession of child pornography after a prior conviction for a sex offense provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Rise of Cryptocurrency Scams

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

BPD has taken reports recently involving scams involving cryptocurrency investing. Victims report receiving unsolicited messages through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or other internet based messaging apps. The scammer offers to assist the victim with cryptocurrency investing. Victims are given links to websites that allow for electronic transfers and are instructed to transfer funds to invest. The scam continues with more requests for money transfers for investing or to cover fees and or taxes. Scammers will also utilize phony apps to facilitate the thefts. In the small number of cases BPD has seen in the last couple of weeks, the amount stolen has been significant at about $200,000. Most often, this money is not recoverable. Be wary of messages and suspicious links on social media:

  • Never entertain unsolicited communications
  • Never give anyone your login credentials
  • Never accept offers to assist with withdrawals/deposits
  • Never entertain “free” giveaways, airdrops or trading platforms

Arlington, Bedford, Belmont and Billerica Police to Host Prep Class for Prospective Police Officers

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

To register for this event please visit The Bedford Police Website here – https://bedfordpdnews.com/event/exam-prep-class/

BEDFORD — Arlington Police Chief Chief Julie Flaherty, Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno, Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac and Billerica Police Chief Roy W. Frost are pleased to report that their departments will host a joint prep class for prospective candidates who are taking the 2022 Massachusetts Municipal Police Officer Entry Level Exam through Civil Service.

The departments are pleased to host Justin Hanrahan and Hanrahan Consulting LLC, which will lead the session geared toward preparing prospective police cadets for the exam process and discussing modern policing and public safety.

Hanrahan Consulting will provide a useful prep and orientation that will cover typical Civil Service exam requirements as well as the selection and hiring/interview process. The session will also include vital strategies and methods to help candidates succeed on the exam.

The event is also a key opportunity for those interested in a career in policing to have face-to-face networking with leaders of all four departments, who will be on-hand for the event and to meet candidates in an informal setting afterward.

Those interested in registering for the Civil Service Exam may do so by clicking here. The registration deadline is Feb. 1.

Police departments in the region enjoy a strong working partnership with Middlesex Community College and count many alumni of the college in the ranks of police officers, command staff and chiefs.

Criminal Justice students from MCC have been invited directly and anyone with an interested in a career in policing is encouraged to attend.

The Arlington, Bedford, Belmont and Billerica Police Departments are equal opportunity employers dedicated to building and earning public trust and creating a diverse workforce. Women, minorities and veterans are encouraged to go through the hiring process. In furtherance of the departments’ collective commitment to fostering a welcoming and legitimate public safety environment, the municipalities listed above do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, skin color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or status as any protected veteran or military status. Click here to learn more about the Civil Service eligibility criteria.

Billerica Police Announce Promotions

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

L to R – Deputy Chief Gerald Roche and Detective Lieutenant Sean Coffey

Billerica – Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost has promoted veteran Lieutenants Gerald Roche and Sean Coffey to new areas of responsibility in serving the citizens of Billerica.

Lieutenant Roche has assumed the position of Deputy Police Chief. In this position, Deputy Roche will be second in command of the Department, while directly overseeing day to day operations. Deputy Roche is a 35-year veteran of the Billerica Police and has served in numerous roles throughout his career, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations and Court Prosecutor.

Lieutenant Sean Coffey has assumed the position of Detective Lieutenant. In this position, D/Lt Coffey will oversee the Criminal Investigation Bureau as well as the School Resource Officer program. D/Lt Coffey is a 25- year veteran of the Billerica Police and has previously served as the Officer-in Charge of the day shift Patrol Division as well as the Coordinator of the Field Training Officer program for newly hired police officers.

These two appointments are effective as of Monday, January 4, 2022. “I am confident that the citizens of Billerica will be well served by these two dedicated police officers” – Chief Roy Frost

Emergency Dispatcher Job Opening in the Town of Billerica

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

The Town of Billerica seeks motivated candidates to fill an Emergency Dispatcher position.

Candidates for this position should have at least a High School Diploma, be 21 years of age at time of employment, and possess a valid driver’s license. Prior experience as a 911 dispatcher is preferred but not required.

An application may be obtained from the Town Manager’s office or can be downloaded here:

Employment Application

 

Job Description:

A Telecommunicator Dispatcher shall carry out policies and procedures relating to all phases of public safety dispatching. Telecommunicator Dispatchers operate the Communications Center without assistance for extended periods of time and require extensive radio training.

This position requires certification in CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatching and MA/NCIC System Operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Takes incoming calls of an emergency, non-emergency, or business nature
  • Obtains all pertinent information; relays information to public safety personnel involved in the situation.
  • Dispatches safety, service, and other appropriate personnel to calls, as required
  • Coordinates back-up support activities via radio; determines priorities among calls for service; keeps supervisory personnel aware of priority calls and equipment status.
  • Maintains reporting on computer-aided dispatching systems; performs data entry on computer to enter service calls ensuring that entries are concise and accurate.
  • Updates files, and maintains accurate, detailed records, logs and other information.
  • Maintains constant and diligent monitoring of the radio system; monitors computer to track unit status; ensures rapid response of police to fire or emergency calls.
  • Communicates via telephone or radio with other agencies, such as utility companies, alarm services, ambulances, town and state highway departments, animal control officers, towing agencies, hospitals, water departments, etc.
  • Operates NCIC/LEAPS computer terminal to obtain or input information on persons, property, and vehicles in nationwide law enforcement network for officers and administrators.
  • May be required to train new employees assigned to dispatch duties. Ascertains that all radio equipment is properly functioning and reports any breakdown or defects immediately to the officer in charge; records administrative events regarding equipment failures, personnel absences, and other events.
  • Maintains all certifications, licenses and professional associations in order to keep abreast of current dispatching procedures. Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates for this position should have at least a High School Diploma, be 21 years of age at the time of employment, and possess a valid driver’s license. Prior experience as a 911 dispatcher is preferred but not required.

Additional Requirements: Certification in enhanced 9-1-1 systems in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch is preferred.

Application deadline: Position will be posted until filled

If interested you should send an application and resume to:

Billerica Town Hall
Attn: Clancy Main, Assistant Town Manager
Paramedic Application
365 Boston Road
Billerica, MA 01821

or email to HR@town.billerica.ma.us

The Town of Billerica is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Application