Massachusetts State Police

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Found Guilty of Rape, Assault, Other Charges

A former Massachusetts State Police trooper has been found guilty of 14 charges related to the domestic assault of his then-girlfriend, who was also a trooper with the department.

Robert Sundberg, 48, was convicted of two counts of rape, five counts of assault and battery on a household or family member, three counts of assault and battery, as well as single counts of strangulation, stalking, assault with intent to rape and malicious damage of a motor vehicle.

When the allegations first came out against him in April of 2016, Sundberg was a 14-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police. The victim told police she endured years of verbal and physical abuse by Sundberg, who she claims was fueled by alcohol.

She said Sundberg choked her multiple times in their Boxborough home and threatened her if she ever told anyone.

"Immediately upon receiving the victim's report of sexual and physical assaults against her by Department member Robert Sundberg, the Massachusetts State Police reviewed the evidence, arrested the defendant, suspended him without pay, and began working with Middlesex County prosecutors to hold him accountable in a court of law," the department said in a statement. "We hope today's verdict provides justice to the victim. The Department now will immediately move to terminate the defendant. We have absolutely no tolerance for domestic violence, and hope this case makes clear that any such allegations will be swiftly and decisively investigated."

State police also said its employee assistance unit aided the victim, a member of the department.

In the past, Sundberg's attorney accused the alleged victim of making the story up because his client was about to break up with her.

Sundberg is due to be sentenced March 26.

Contact Us