By Charlie McKenna
masslive.com
BOSTON — A Boston Fire Department lieutenant is facing more than 40 criminal charges after prosecutors say he refused to turn over numerous guns he had hidden in his Milton home after being served with a restraining order taken out by his wife, according to published reports and court records.
Joshua Thompson faces a litany of gun charges filed in Quincy District Court, including improper storage of a large capacity firearm and possession of a large capacity firearm. He is also charged with a single count of trafficking 36 grams or more of methamphetamine.
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During a search of Thompson’s home, Milton Police found five “assault-style” rifles, five handguns, 2,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, methamphetamine pills and tourniquets, The Boston Globe reported. Thompson has at least three more handguns listed in his name that were not found, the newspaper reported, citing a police report.
“These firearms were strategically placed inside of the home, different vantage points,” Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Mark Assad said during Thompson’s arraignment Friday, according to The Boston Herald. “When they would find a firearm, they would likely find a ballistic vest as well as a tourniquet in that area.
“Mr. Thompson appears to be preparing himself for some type of conflict,” Assad said.
Judge Francis Kenneally ordered Thompson held without bail until Dec. 19, determining he was too dangerous to be released on bail. Kenneally was called to Quincy from a different courthouse in the state because all the judges who typically serve there knew Thompson or his wife’s families and had a conflict, the Globe reported.
Thompson’s father, Peter, is a prominent Braintree businessman.
At a hearing Friday, Peter Thompson said his son wasn’t dangerous and needed to undergo treatment for mental health and addiction, the Globe reported.
Josh Thompson’s lawyer, Peter Pasciucco, said he had no history of violence.
“He’s the antithesis of a dangerous person,” he said, according to the Herald. “He’s a dedicated first responder.”
“At no time in Mr. Thompson’s life has he ever been alleged to have used a firearm improperly, discharged a firearm improperly, or threatened another individual with a firearm,” the attorney is quoted as saying by the Herald.
Thompson’s wife took out a restraining order against him, which prompted the police activity. She accused him of blowing a leaf blower in her face and forcing her to flush her wedding ring down the toilet, according to the Herald.
“Mr. Thompson is escalating,” Assad said, according to the newspaper. “His pattern of behavior is becoming more unhinged and more dangerous as he goes … the defendant’s behavior is becoming more erratic and more paranoid as time continues.”
Thompson’s case will next be heard at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 23.
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