A Massachusetts courtroom grew emotional Thursday as a police officer and her husband faced serious charges tied to a child who once lived under their roof.
According to the New York Post, the case began after the now-teen accuser came forward, prompting an investigation into alleged misconduct that dates back several years.
Authorities say the situation unfolded after the boy moved into the couple’s home in 2019.
Samantha Pelrine, 31, an officer with the Plymouth Police Department, stood beside her husband, Daniel Forand, 37, during their court appearance. Pelrine had been suspended from duty last week before their arrests.
Pelrine was arraigned on multiple felony charges involving a minor. Forand faces a larger number of counts, including additional allegations of violence and misconduct.
Prosecutors told the court the case involved a pattern of behavior that developed over time.
“The name for that is grooming,” the prosecutor told Judge Kristen A. Stone, according to the Boston Herald.
Defense attorney Joseph Krowski Jr. argued that both defendants should be released without bail, pointing to their clean records and ties to the community. Records show Forand operates a pest control business from the couple’s home in Plymouth.
The judge denied that request. Bail was set at $10,000 for Pelrine and $25,000 for Forand.
Both pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they each face a minimum of 15 years behind bars.
In a statement, the Plymouth Police Department said it was “appalled and deeply disturbed” by the allegations.
“We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the allegations. We hold our officers to the highest of standards and expect them to uphold their sworn duty both on duty and off,” the department said.
“Our primary mission is to safeguard the public’s trust and uphold the law. We value human life, fairness, integrity, accountability and professionalism. The conduct alleged is in violation of our values and of our basic principals a police officers to serve and protect.”
According to court documents, the accuser alleged in a handwritten affidavit that Pelrine and Forand “both sexually assaulted me until 2025 and physically assaulted me until 2026.”
He also stated that the physical abuse was carried out by Forand.
The boy had been raised by relatives before moving in with the couple at age 12. He met them through a family connection at church, and they later became his legal guardians.
Authorities say the alleged misconduct began after that arrangement and continued for years.
The accuser moved out of the home in February before reporting the allegations.
Pelrine has since been ordered to surrender her firearms, ammunition, and gun license. Both defendants were taken into custody at their homes without incident.
The case is ongoing.
