An 80-year-old Massachusetts Democratic official faces child rape charges after years of alleged misconduct that political insiders failed—or refused—to stop.
AT A GLANCE
- Robert LeBlanc charged with raping a child under 14 and other sexual offenses
- Former town manager and legal counsel for the Massachusetts Democratic Party
- Previously banned from school and bookstore for inappropriate behavior
- Despite a prior probation sentence, he remained active in party leadership
- His pretrial hearing is scheduled for May 20
Massachusetts Democrat’s Dark Past Catches Up
Robert LeBlanc, an influential figure in Massachusetts politics for decades, is facing criminal charges for the rape and sexual abuse of a child under 14. LeBlanc, 80, was a longtime fixture in Democratic circles—serving as Methuen’s town manager, city councilor, and legal counsel for the state Democratic Party. Now, he stands accused of some of the most serious crimes imaginable.
LeBlanc pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and has since resigned from the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee. However, the circumstances surrounding his arrest raise urgent questions about how he managed to hold positions of political power despite a long history of disturbing behavior.
Watch coverage of LeBlanc’s arraignment and party reaction.
Prior Incidents Ignored
According to Daily Caller, LeBlanc was banned from Greater Lawrence Technical School in 2005 after allegedly following and propositioning a student. He was also reportedly removed from a Barnes & Noble store after standing uncomfortably close to a customer in a restroom.
Despite these red flags, LeBlanc continued to climb the political ladder. In 2008, he was sentenced to probation for inappropriate contact with a female attorney—yet this conviction did not end his political career. The Massachusetts Democratic Party allowed him to remain involved, holding an official seat on the governing committee until the latest charges forced his resignation.
A Boston.com report notes that the party claimed LeBlanc had not been “active” in recent years, though public records show he maintained an official party role up until his resignation.
Party Response Draws Scrutiny
The party’s attempt to distance itself has only intensified criticism. Party officials say they were unaware of LeBlanc’s history, but opponents are questioning how someone with a documented pattern of predatory behavior remained in the fold for so long. A series of tweets from local journalists show community frustration with a system that seemingly shielded LeBlanc from consequences.
LeBlanc’s attorney declined to comment on the charges, saying only “at this time” when reached by reporters.
A Case Study in Political Protection
LeBlanc’s story illustrates what many critics call a “Democrat double standard.” Despite public commitments to protecting women and children, Democrats allowed LeBlanc to continue operating in the background of state politics—long after multiple incidents should have disqualified him from public life.
“If this had been a Republican, it would be national news,” one state political observer told the Daily Caller. “Instead, it’s silence from the top.”
His pretrial hearing is set for May 20. Until then, LeBlanc is out on bail under conditions that bar contact with minors and witnesses. But the real damage may already be done—not just to the alleged victim, but to public trust in a party that failed to police its own.
Watch additional reporting on LeBlanc’s political record.
