Charline Rosemond was found dead on April 13, 2009 in Somerville, Massachusetts. She ahd gone missing five days earlier. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to her head. Police and the Middlesex County District Attorney were investigating her death. The prosecution believes that Dokens Joseph has information of value to their investigation. According to reports “Joseph is a significant witness in the case and it is alleged that he knowingly provided false material information to a Grand Jury during this investigation.” Because authorities believed that he provided false information under oath Joseph has been charged with two counts of perjury. He was arraigned in the Middlesex County Superior Court in Woburn. Bail was set at $100,000 cash.
Massachusetts Man Charged With Perjury In Connection With Murder Case
Massachusetts Perjury Laws are set out in G.L. c. 268 Section 1. The law states that anyone who lies in a judicial proceeding “to the issue or point in question” or “wilfully swears or affirms falsely” in a matter requiring an oath is guilty of perjury. If the crime is a capital crime there is a potential life sentence that can be imposed. The fact that perjury was charged in this case shows the seriousness with which prosecutors in Massachusetts take a person’s obligation to testify truthfully. Any attempts to subvert an investigation through perjury will likely be charged as a criminal offense.
Attorney Stephen Neyman has defended perjury charges for over twenty years in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions. Not all untruths or lies in court amount to perjury. If you have questions about a charge of perjury in Massachusetts call us at 617-263-6800 or contact us online.