Ex-Cop Accused of Murdering Pregnant Massachusetts Woman to Hide Sexual Exploitation of Her When She Was Young

A former police officer in Massachusetts is facing federal charges for allegedly killing a woman in 2021 to conceal his "longstanding sexual exploitation" of her beginning when she was a minor.

Matthew Farwell, 38, a former Stoughton Police officer, was indicted on one count of killing a witness or victim and arrested, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts announced.

According to the indictment, on or around Feb. 1, 2021, Farwell allegedly strangled Sandra Birchmore to death and staged the scene at her apartment to appear as a suicide. The indictment alleges he killed her to prevent law enforcement from learning that he began sexually exploiting Birchmore while she was a minor, while on duty with the Stoughton Police Department.

Farwell served as an instructor for the police department’s Explorer’s Program, a program designed for youth to learn about careers in law enforcement. Birchmore joined the Stoughton Explorers Program in 2010, when she was 12 years old.

Farwell allegedly used his position to groom, sexually exploit and ultimately sexually abuse Birchmore when she was 15 years old. He allegedly continued to have sex with her when she became an adult.

In December 2020, Birchmore learned that she was pregnant. According to court documents, she was "excited" about the pregnancy, preparing for the baby's arrival, purchasing childcare items and telling loved ones she was happy to become a mother.

Birchmore told Farwell that he was the father of the child, and said she expected him to participate in the child's upbringing, at least in part. Soon after, Brichmore allegedly told loved ones that Farwell became violent when she told him. Farwell allegedly held Birchmore in a headlock at one point, and said he wished she were dead.

Birchmore’s friend called the Stoughton Police Department on Jan. 20, 2021, and disclosed Farwell's sexual relationship with her. Farwell then allegedly sent Birchmore angry text messages, and, about a week before her death, allegedly asked for a spare key to her apartment, telling her to keep it a secret.

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Birchmore's death was originally ruled a suicide, until the federal investigation reviewed old evidence and uncovered "critical new evidence" against Farwell.

If convicted of the charge of killing a witness or victim, Farwell faces a mandatory sentence of death or life in prison.

TMX contributed to this report.