Former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell Arrested in Connection to Sandra Birchmore Murder – New Bedford Guide

A former Stoughton, Massachusetts police officer has been charged in federal court in Boston with murdering a young woman to prevent her from disclosing information about his long-standing sexual exploitation during his service, which began when she was a minor.

Matthew Farwell, 38, of North Easton, Massachusetts, has been charged with killing a witness or victim. Farwell was arrested this morning and will make his initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2:30 p.m. today.

According to the indictment, Farwell killed Sandra Birchmore by strangulation on or about February 1, 2021. It is alleged that Farwell staged her body and her apartment to make it appear as if Birchmore had committed suicide. The indictment states that Farwell killed Birchmore with the intent to prevent law enforcement from learning of Farwell's commission or potential commission of federal crimes.

According to court documents, Farwell was a sworn officer of the Stoughton Police Department from March 27, 2012, to April 1, 2022. In his role as a police officer, Farwell was an instructor in the Stoughton Police Department's Explorer's Program, a vocational training program designed to provide youth with career opportunities in law enforcement. Sandra Birchmore joined the Stoughton Explorers Program in 2010, when she was 12 years old. Farwell allegedly used his authority and access to abuse Birchmore when she was 15 years old and continued to have sex with her as she grew into adulthood.

While on duty as a Stoughton police officer, Farwell allegedly engaged in sexual acts with Birchmore on multiple occasions. To cover up these activities, Farwell allegedly falsely stated that he was working at certain times when in fact he was not working at all but was engaging in sexual acts with the then-underage victim. Farwell's sexual contact with Birchmore continued until her death on February 1, 2021.

In December 2020, Birchmore learned she was pregnant. According to court documents, she was excited about the pregnancy: she made doctor's appointments, purchased childcare items, and told loved ones how happy she was to become a mother. Shortly after learning of her pregnancy, Birchmore told Farwell that he was the child's father and that she expected him to be at least partially involved in the child's life. Birchmore told loved ones that Farwell allegedly became violent toward her when they discussed the pregnancy and his role in the child's life. During her pregnancy, Farwell allegedly put Birchmore in a headlock at one point and told her he wished she were dead.

On or about January 20, 2021, Birchmore's boyfriend called Stoughton police and mentioned the sexual relationship between Farwell and Birchmore. When Farwell found out, he allegedly sent Birchmore angry text messages, and a few days later – approximately a week before Birchmore's death – Farwell visited Birchmore at her Canton apartment and asked her if she could give him a spare apartment key and keep it a secret. It is further alleged that a week before her death, Farwell visited Birchmore's apartment and began going through her closets and bathroom, which made her uncomfortable. The court documents allege that on February 1, 2021, when faced with a perceived imminent disclosure of his criminal conduct, Farwell murdered Birchmore to silence her.

According to court documents, Birchmore's death was initially ruled a suicide, but the federal investigation reviewed old evidence and uncovered crucial new evidence that led to the charges against Farwell.

The charge of killing a witness or victim carries a mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and laws governing sentencing in criminal proceedings.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and FBI Special Agent Jodi Cohen, Boston Division, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Massachusetts 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 office's Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting the case.

The information contained in the indictment is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.