His findings have cast serious doubt on the initial conclusion and have provided critical support to the family’s claims.
This new investigation also led to the ex-cop’s Federal indictment.
Stoughton Police Department’s Internal Investigation
Following Birchmore’s death, the Stoughton Police Department conducted a lengthy internal investigation.
The investigation uncovered allegations that three former officers, including Matthew Farwell, had engaged in inappropriate relationships with Birchmore. The report alleges that Farwell began abusing Birchmore when she was just 15 years old, exploiting her involvement in Stoughton’s Explorers program—a youth initiative designed to introduce young people to careers in law enforcement.
In response to Dr. Baden’s report and the Boston Globe’s coverage, Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara released a statement expressing her deep concern. “I was profoundly disturbed and troubled by what I read,” McNamara stated.
Chief McNamara voiced her frustration and called for accountability, stating, “Every good and decent police officer should be aware of and angry about the injustices inflicted upon Sandra Birchmore. Sandra idolized police officers and what policing stood for in America, and she was victimized as a result.”
Allegations Against Additional Officers
The internal investigation also implicated Farwell’s twin brother, William Farwell, and another former officer, Robert C. Devine, in having inappropriate relationships with Sandra Birchmore while she was underage.
