PLYMOUTH MA — Richard Kielczweski, a 41-year-old Hanson man, has been ordered held without bail after being deemed a danger to the community. The ruling follows a series of serious child sex charges spanning three towns: Hanson, Halifax, and Middleboro.
Recent Legal Developments
During a dangerousness hearing on Thursday, April 30, at Plymouth District Court, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Schmidt successfully argued that Kielczweski poses a significant risk to society.
On Friday, May 1, Kielczweski appeared in Wareham District Court for additional charges out of Middleboro, including:
- One count of witness intimidation
- One count of enticing a child under 16
Judge Sabrina Coyne presided over the Wareham arraignment and also ordered him held without bail.
Allegations and Evidence
The charges stem from an investigation by the Hanson Police Department into sexual assaults and the creation of child sexual abuse material involving a 15-year-old boy. The two reportedly met on a dating app. According to evidence presented:
- The Encounters: Sexual acts allegedly occurred over several months at locations including a Halifax Walmart parking lot and Kielczweski’s home.
- Knowledge of Age: The prosecution claims Kielczweski knew the victim was a minor, noting he asked the boy about getting his learner’s permit at age 16 and scheduled meetings around the boy’s school hours.
- The Firearm & Gifts: Schmidt alleged that Kielczweski displayed a firearm to the youth and gave him gifts intended for Toys for Tots, a charity for underprivileged children.
Professional Background
Kielczweski was previously an officer with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. He was suspended indefinitely following the allegations. Ironically, media reports indicate he was previously recognized for his charitable work with the same Toys for Tots program from which he allegedly took the gifts.
The Argument for Detention
The prosecution emphasized the severity of the charges, some of which carry potential life sentences. The full list of charges from his April 27 plea of “not guilty” includes:
- 4 counts of rape of a child (aggravated by a 10-year age difference)
- 1 count of rape of a child with force
- 2 counts of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude
- 5 counts of paying for sexual conduct with a minor
- 1 count of posing/exhibiting a child in a sexual act
ADA Schmidt further argued that Kielczweski is a “heightened risk” because he has allegedly attempted to identify the person who reported him while communicating from jail, raising fears of witness intimidation.
Defense Response
Defense attorney Michael Carroll argued for his client’s release, suggesting strict GPS monitoring and a total ban on social media. Carroll contended that:
- The encounters were “willing.”
- There was “no violence” involved.
- The pair met on Grindr, an app that requires users to be at least 18, leading Kielczweski to believe he was entering an adult relationship.
Share Your Community News
Have a local story, event, or community update? Visit the Neighborhood Scout where users submit posts about their communities and local neighborhoods!
