Boston Man Charged After Alleged Abuse of Child He Was Supposed to Transport to School

Boston police announced Tuesday that a 42‑year‑old man from Dorchester has been taken into custody on multiple counts of sexual assault involving a 10‑year‑old girl. The suspect, who went by the name of a "private driver," was reportedly hired by the child’s parents to ferry her to and from school each weekday.

According to the district attorney’s office, the alleged abuse took place over a period of several weeks in early spring. Detectives say the boy’s mother grew suspicious after noticing bruises and a change in her daughter’s behavior, prompting her to contact child services.

When investigators knocked on the suspect’s door, they found a handwritten schedule, receipts for gas, and a few photos of the girl in the backseat of his sedan. The man denied the accusations, claiming the child was "just a passenger" and that any contact was "accidental."

Prosecutors have charged him with three counts of sexual assault of a minor, one count of child endangerment, and a violation of the state’s child protection statutes. If convicted, he faces a hefty prison term, possibly 20 years or more.

The case has rattled the tight‑knit Dorchester community, where many families rely on trusted neighbors to help with school transportation. "We always thought we knew who was in our streets," said one resident, who asked not to be named. "It’s scary when that trust is broken."

Legal experts say the situation underscores a growing concern: parents hiring unlicensed drivers without background checks. "When you bypass schools or official programs, you lose the safety net that vetted drivers provide," explained a local attorney who follows child‑welfare cases.

The Boston Police Department says they are reviewing all similar arrangements in the area. They urge parents to verify driver credentials, ask for police clearance, and consider using school‑run bus services whenever possible.

As the investigation continues, the victim’s family has asked for privacy but also for other parents to stay vigilant. "We don’t want this to happen to any other child," the mother said, voice trembling.

The suspect is being held without bail pending a preliminary hearing set for later this month. The district attorney’s office has promised a thorough prosecution, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged crimes.