Mass Firefighter Charged With Enticing a Minor

Posted by: Curt Varone March 24, 2021 0

A Massachusetts firefighter has been charged with enticing a minor. Westfield firefighter Richard Paul reportedly sought to meet someone he believed was a 13-year old girl. Instead it was an undercover police officer.

Paul had been under investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement for over a month. He reportedly told the undercover officer:

  • “we could go out if you pretend to be my daughter lol”
  • “we would go shopping but you gotta call me dad.”

Western Mass News quoted Westfield Fire Chief Patrick Egloff as saying in a statement:

“The Fire Department and the City have been made aware that on March 22, 2021 Mr. Richard Paul was charged with a serious felony. He was immediately placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The Fire Department and City will continue to cooperate with the police and District Attorney’s Office. As this is an ongoing criminal and employment matter the City is unable to make any further comment for the foreseeable future.”

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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