Mass Firefighter Charged With Enticing a Minor

A Massachusetts firefighter has been charged with enticing a minor. Westfield firefighter Richard Paul reportedly sought to meet someone he believed was a 13-year old girl. Instead it was an undercover police officer.

Paul had been under investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement for over a month. He reportedly told the undercover officer:

• “we could go out if you pretend to be my daughter lol”
• “we would go shopping but you gotta call me dad.”

Western Mass News quoted Westfield Fire Chief Patrick Egloff as saying in a statement:

“The Fire Department and the City have been made aware that on March 22, 2021 Mr. Richard Paul was charged with a serious felony. He was immediately placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The Fire Department and City will continue to cooperate with the police and District Attorney’s Office. As this is an ongoing criminal and employment matter the City is unable to make any further comment for the foreseeable future.”