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Drunken state trooper allegedly broke into woman’s Boston home and passed out in her bed: cops
An off-duty Massachusetts state trooper was arrested after allegedly entering his ex-girlfriend’s Boston apartment and refusing to leave, then falling asleep in her bed. The case has drawn attention to conduct standards for police officers, and the state police say he has been relieved of duty and suspended.
Court records say Michael E. McGuire, 37, and the woman met for drinks on Saturday, but she told him to go home at about 10.30 p.m. She later found him in her South End apartment; he allegedly said he had climbed the fire escape to get in. Police described him as unsteady, and he was charged with breaking and entering. A judge released him on personal recognisance and ordered him to stay away from the woman; his lawyer invoked the BRAVE Act, which can allow service members to seek specialist treatment and temporarily pause criminal proceedings.
In short
- Trooper accused of entering his ex-girlfriend’s home and refusing to leave.
- Massachusetts State Police suspended him after learning of the incident.
- A judge ordered him to stay away from the woman.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A police officer’s position carries public trust and demands especially reliable conduct, including off duty; alleged unlawful entry into a former partner’s home could raise serious concerns about safety, judgement and accountability. Temporary removal from duty while the case is assessed may protect the public and the integrity of the force without deciding guilt.
The case against
The allegations remain unproven, so the officer is entitled to due process and should not be treated as guilty before the court considers the evidence. If the BRAVE Act applies, specialist treatment and a pause in proceedings may address relevant service-related needs while preserving a path to resolve the charges fairly.
Explained simply
Massachusetts State Police are the state-level force responsible for policing across Massachusetts, including in Boston. Officers are expected to follow criminal law and professional conduct rules both on and off duty; alleged misconduct can also lead to internal discipline.
The South End is a neighbourhood in central Boston. In Massachusetts, a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proved guilty, and a judge can set conditions for release while a case proceeds. The BRAVE Act provides a route for eligible service members to seek treatment, with criminal proceedings potentially paused while they do so.