Lacey Sentenced To 21-24 Years In Rape, Kidnap Case In Worcester County

Press release from the Office of the Worcester County District Attorney:

April 1, 2021

WORCESTER — Edward Lacey of Worcester was sentenced to 21 to 24 years in state prison today after being found guilty on March 19 of raping and kidnapping a woman in a Shrewsbury hotel, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Superior Court Judge David Ricciardone, who presided over the four-day, jury-waived trial, imposed the sentence after hearing recommendations from the prosecution and defense attorneys.

Assistant District Attorney Lina Pashou asked for a sentence of 33-35 years, based on the “egregious facts” of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. Defense attorney Kevin Larson recommended a sentence of 9-10 years in prison.

“I want to thank ADA Pashou and the Shrewsbury Police for their hard work on this difficult case and providing justice for the victim,” Mr. Early said.

Mr. Lacey, 41, of Laurel Street, was found guilty of kidnapping, two counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault and battery, strangulation, threat to commit a crime and assault and battery. He was found not guilty of assault with intent to murder.

He was arrested by Shrewsbury Police on May 12, 2018 and charged with raping and assaulting a woman at the Worcester City Motel on Route 9 in Shrewsbury. He was indicted on Sept. 14, 2018.

This press release was produced by the Office of the Worcester County District Attorney. The views expressed are the author's own.