Testimony in the federal trial of former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell took a pivotal turn on Friday as jurors heard sexually explicit text messages exchanged between Farwell and Sandra Birchmore, who died in 2021 at age 23. Prosecutors allege these messages reveal the criminal origin of their long-term sexual relationship, which they say began with aggravated statutory rape when Birchmore was 15 and Farwell was 27.
According to prosecutors, the alleged statutory rape occurred on April 10, 2013, and was a driving factor behind Farwell’s purported motive to strangle Birchmore on February 1, 2021. They contend that Farwell feared Birchmore might expose the abuse. FBI Special Agent Heidi Kelsch read messages in which both Birchmore and Farwell referenced the encounter repeatedly over the years, with Farwell never denying the allegations. Kelsch described Birchmore as too young to legally consent, citing aggravating factors such as Farwell’s role as a police officer and mandated reporter, and the age difference exceeding ten years, which under state law increase the severity of statutory rape charges.
Prosecutors also noted evidence supporting their claims, including Birchmore’s school records showing numerous unexcused absences beginning after the alleged abuse started, as well as medical records indicating she first requested birth control in May 2013. They assert that the two maintained an intermittent sexual relationship into Birchmore’s adulthood, continuing up to the night of her death.
Farwell has pleaded not guilty, and the defense argues that Birchmore’s death was a suicide driven by a combination of mental health struggles, a recent breakup with Farwell, financial difficulties, and anxiety over a pregnancy. Testing has excluded Farwell as the father of Birchmore’s unborn child, despite her belief at the time that he was. The defense maintains he denied paternity.
The jury also heard from FBI digital forensic examiner Christopher Beckstrom, who testified that Birchmore’s phone last recorded her movements on the night of February 1, 2021, with prosecutors suggesting Farwell was present in her apartment at that time — an allegation the defense disputes. Beckstrom also highlighted internet searches Birchmore made relating to suicide awareness and pregnancy complications, including spotting and cramping on the night of her death.
Federal authorities took over the investigation in October 2023, initially examining whether any Stoughton police officers committed federal crimes, including constitutional violations under “color of law.” The inquiry shifted into a homicide investigation after Birchmore’s death. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Farwell killed Birchmore and did so to conceal evidence of a federal crime. They have cited three possible offenses in connection with the killing: the color-of-law violation based on the alleged statutory rape, coercion and enticement, and wire fraud related to allegations that Farwell falsified work hours while engaging in the relationship.
Following the court session, Birchmore’s cousin Barbara Wright condemned Farwell’s conduct, describing the messages as “disgusting” and calling Farwell a “monster” for allegedly targeting a young woman. The trial is expected to continue with further testimony next week.