Crime & Safety
U.S. Attorney Gives Awards To Six Wilmington Police Officers
The Wilmington police officers were recognized for the role they played in two federal cases that led to multiple criminal convictions.
WILMINGTON, MA — Retired Wilmington Police Retired Chief Michael Begonis, Lieutenant Brian Pupa, retired Detective John Bosssi, Detective Christopher Dindo, and Detective Michael Patterson were recognized May 22 for outstanding police work at the United States Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Public Service Awards. The five officers received the Investigative Achievement Award for their work in the case of United States V. Patrick Keogan.
The investigation into Keogan, a Wilmington resident, started after he posted several threatening images on Facebook pages belonging to the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center and the Islamic Society of Northeastern University.
"The investigation started with searches of Keogan’s Facebook account, which consisted of over 20,000 pages of bigoted and racist rhetoric – and also evidence that he had been buying, selling, trading, building, modifying, possessing and shooting firearms and ammunition, despite his prohibition from doing so as a convicted felon," the award citation said.
Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Keogan was arrested and pleaded guilty to two counts of making a threat to injure or intimidate another individual or to unlawfully damage or destroy a building by means of fire; one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; and one count of possessing child pornography. Keogan was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Detective Michael Patterson, currently assigned to the DEA Task Force, was also recognized with an Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award. This award recognized investigators from a multi-agency collaboration whose exceptional efforts to overcome significant challenges led to a successful conclusion.
Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Based on this investigation, 30 individuals were arrested and over three dozen search warrants were executed which led to a seizure of over two kilograms of fentanyl. All of the defendants pleaded guilty except for one who was tried and convicted.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
