Massachusetts State Police member arrested, suspended, after domestic violence incident

Massachusetts State Police detectives this morning arrested a sworn MSP member following an investigation into a reported prior domestic violence incident.

According to Dave Procopio of Massachusetts State Police, Troopers assigned to the State Police Detective Unit for Suffolk County today arrested Jordan Cavaco, 27, of Brockton, on charges of domestic assault and battery, strangulation, and kidnapping.

The charges stem from an alleged incident on May 28, 2021 that occurred in a vehicle in Dorchester. Evidence suggests that Cavaco who was driving, pulled off of Route 93 to the area of Gallivan Boulevard during a verbal altercation with the victim, who was in the front passenger seat. According to the investigation, Cavaco then choked the victim and punched her repeatedly. Cavaco subsequently prevented the victim, with whom he was in a dating relationship, from exiting the vehicle and drove her back to his apartment.

After arresting Cavaco at his residence at approximately 7 a.m. today, Troopers transported him to State Police-South Boston Barracks, where he was booked on the above charges. He will be arraigned today in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court. The case will be prosecuted by the office of Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins.

The Massachusetts State Police became aware of the allegations against Cavaco last week when the victim filed a report with a local police department. Procopio stated that the Department immediately relieved Cavaco of duty, opened an Internal Affairs Investigation, and scheduled an internal hearing to address Cavaco’s employment status for the pendency of the investigation. The Department also referred the allegation to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for criminal investigation, which was undertaken by the State Police Detective Unit for Suffolk County. That investigation resulted in this morning’s arrest.

Meanwhile, as a result of the duty status hearing on Monday, the Department suspended Cavaco without pay for the duration of the criminal and internal investigations and criminal prosecution. Upon completion of those proceedings, Cavaco’s employment status will be subject to further action. The Internal Affairs investigation will monitor evidence developed in the criminal case.

“The facts as alleged by the victim are unconscionable,” Colonel Christopher Mason said. “Allegations of domestic violence committed by anyone, regardless of occupation or affiliation, will be thoroughly investigated and, if the evidence warrants, will be swiftly answered by criminal charges and prosecution.”

Cavaco graduated from the State Police Academy in 2020. He most recently was assigned to the Division of Field Services at the State Police-Framingham Barracks.