Matthew Farwell ARRESTED in death of Sandra Birchmore

A former Stoughton, Mass. police officer, Matthew Farwell, 38, of North Easton, Mass., has been charged in federal court in Boston with allegedly murdering Sandra Birchmore to prevent her from disclosing his longstanding sexual exploitation of her, which began when she was a minor. Farwell has been indicted on one count of killing a witness or victim. He was arrested this morning and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston today.

According to the indictment, on or about Feb. 1, 2021, Farwell allegedly strangled Birchmore and staged her body and apartment to look like a suicide. The indictment further alleges that Farwell killed her to prevent law enforcement from discovering his criminal actions. Farwell had been a sworn officer with the Stoughton Police Department from March 2012 until April 2022. During his time as an officer, he served as an instructor for the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorer’s Program, a vocational program for youth interested in law enforcement careers. Birchmore joined this program in 2010 at the age of 12.

It is alleged that Farwell used his position to groom and sexually exploit Birchmore, starting when she was 15. This abuse continued into her adulthood, with Farwell reportedly engaging in sex acts with her while on duty. Farwell allegedly falsified records to conceal these activities. Birchmore’s sexual relationship with Farwell persisted until her death in February 2021.

In December 2020, Birchmore learned she was pregnant and told Farwell he was the father, expecting him to be involved in the child’s life. Birchmore expressed excitement about the pregnancy, but it is alleged that Farwell became violent during their discussions about the pregnancy. At one point, Farwell reportedly held her in a headlock, expressing a wish for her death.

On Jan. 20, 2021, a friend of Birchmore contacted the Stoughton Police Department, mentioning the relationship between Farwell and Birchmore. Farwell then allegedly sent Birchmore angry messages and visited her apartment, asking for a spare key and making her uncomfortable by searching her closets and bathroom. The court documents suggest that on Feb. 1, 2021, Farwell, fearing exposure of his crimes, murdered Birchmore.

Initially, Birchmore’s death was ruled a suicide, but a federal investigation uncovered new evidence leading to Farwell’s charge. The charge of killing a witness or victim carries a mandatory sentence of death or life in prison. Sentences are determined by a federal judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.

The investigation was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, State Police, Stoughton Police Department, and Norfolk District Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley, Torey B. Cummings, and Brian A. Fogerty of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details in the charging documents are allegations, and Farwell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.