Three police officers permanently decertified, including sex offenders

"Massachusetts police oversight officials revoked the certification of three former police officers earlier this month, barring them from ever serving in Massachusetts again. Matthew Bistany, Kevin Garneau, and James McCall were all decertified by the Massachusetts Peace Officers Standards and Training, or POST, Commission."

"Bistany was arrested in 2023 for allegedly uploading child pornography to the internet. He pleaded guilty in Essex Superior Court in May and was sentenced to serve three years on probation. Bistany was ordered to register as a sex offender and continue ongoing treatment and counseling, court records show."

"In 2019, Garneau was accused of repeatedly raping a 16-year-old homeless girl while he was on duty. He allegedly claimed there was a warrant out for her arrest but would not arrest her "in exchange for her providing sexual services," the DA said. At the time, Garneau served in a community outreach program called Community Opioid Outreach Program to address the community living with substance abuse disorders, according to POST. POST's decision also points to "a pattern of unprofessional police conduct" including pointing his taser at colleagues, having "explosive outbursts of anger," and being too familiar with clients of the outreach program. Garneau also allegedly made unwanted physical contact with "at least one" civilian woman employed by the department."

The Massachusetts Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission revoked the certifications of Matthew Bistany, Kevin Garneau, and James McCall, permanently barring them from serving in the state. Garneau and Bistany waived their rights to contest the decertifications; McCall has 30 days to appeal. Bistany pleaded guilty to uploading child pornography, received three years of probation, must register as a sex offender, and continue treatment. Garneau faced allegations of raping a 16-year-old and exhibited a pattern of unprofessional conduct, including taser threats, explosive anger, and inappropriate contact with civilians and outreach clients. Records for all three will be sent to the National Decertification Index.

Read at Boston.com