Sentenced: DA Investigating Death Of 2YO At Home Of Winthrop Lieutenant Who Is Facing Rape Charges

[Sugar Cookie]

Authorities are investigating the death of a 2-year-old child found unresponsive inside the home of a Winthrop police lieutenant, who was recently arrested on child rape charges, according to the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office.

The toddler death investigation is unfolding at 26 Pleasant Street in Winthrop, where Winthrop Police Department Lt. James Feeley lived before his arraignment last month on charges including aggravated rape of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, a spokesperson for DA Kevin Hayden’s office confirmed.

In a statement, Hayden’s office said, “The initial investigation into the death of a 2-year-old in Winthrop today indicates no signs of foul play or physical trauma. We are awaiting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.”

Feeley, 56, allegedly confessed to the crimes in a cemetery on Christmas Night, while a criminal complaint alleged that he “did unlawfully have sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse” with the victim and that the victim was “under 12 years of age.”

At the time of his arrest, the Department of Children and Families confirmed with Boston 25 that Feeley was a foster parent for the state and said that they are working with law enforcement in the investigation.

“DCF is investigating these disturbing allegations against a foster parent. There are no foster children currently residing in the foster home,” a DCF spokesperson said last month.

Winthrop Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty told investigators that he was called to the Belle Isle Cemetery in Winthrop on Christmas Night, where he encountered Feeley, who had stated that he “was really in a bad way,” according to a police report.

While speaking with Delehanty, Feeley confessed to the rape and assault allegations as he stood near his parents’ grave site, the report stated. When Delehanty asked him why he was at the grave site, Feeley allegedly said, " What do you think?”

Delehanty also told investigators that he believed Feeley was suicidal and armed with a handgun, the report indicated. Feeley was later taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

Feeley has been a member of the department for more than 20 years. He is being held on $200,000 bail.

DA investigating death of 2-year-old at home of former Winthrop lieutenant who is facing rape charge

"Certainly it’s a toll taker on your emotions and your psyche. And certainly, in these incidents dealing with children - first responders, police, fire, EMTs, doctors, and nurses - stay with us for th...

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[Ella Mayo]

Feeley?

Reeley?

};^D

 

[cubby]

His first name is Touchy, James is his middle name.

Paint me skeptical that he really was going to commit suicide, probably wanted the sympathy factor.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

Former Winthrop Police Lieutenant James Feeley pleaded guilty Monday to charges including aggravated rape of a child.

Feeley was sentenced to 4 to 6 years in prison plus five years of probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release.

"I'm pleading guilty for very vile acts that I committed," Feeley told the judge.

After the prosecutor read a summary of the allegations on Monday, Feeley was asked by the judge if he agreed to the accusations.

"Unfortunately yes," Feeley responded.

Prosecutors said Monday that Feeley abused a young family member for about a year.

Feeley confessed to Winthrop Police Chief Terrance Delahanty in a cemetery on Christmas Day of 2023.

According to police, Delahanty believed Feeley was "in a bad way," armed and suicidal. Feeley was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital and underwent a psychiatric evaluation before facing charges.

Feeley was a veteran police officer who had been with the department for over 20 years. Sources told the WBZ-TV I-Team that Feeley was also a church leader and former business owner in Winthrop.

Feeley said in court that he has eight children and foster children.

Massachusetts police lieutenant charged with child rape pleads guilty to "vile acts"

Former Winthrop Police Lieutenant James Feeley pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated rape of a child.

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