Joseph C. Norton, a former member of the Framingham Planning Board, has resigned after being arrested in an undercover operation focusing on child sex crimes. The sting operation, conducted by State and Framingham police, culminated in arrests made on Dec. 18, snaring Norton along with two other individuals. According to The Boston Globe, Norton attempted to purchase sex with a person he believed to be under 18, not knowing he was conversing with undercover officers.
In a statement obtained by The Boston Globe, Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky addressed the gravity of the allegations and the implications for government integrity, "I want to be clear that the City holds all of its officials and appointees to the highest standards of integrity and conduct." Following Norton's resignation on Dec. 24, the city has begun seeking applicants to fill the newly vacated seats on the Planning Board. The embarrassing situation has led to a deeper consideration about public trust in the local board responsible for zoning review and land use policy in Framingham.
Norton was charged with sexual conduct for a fee with a child, enticement of a child under the age of 16, and attempt to commit a crime, as reported by WCVB. His arrest, along with Eric S. Gurvis of Sherborn and Surya Chandra Ravi Kumar Eda of Milford, who are facing the same charges. All three men were taken into custody and held on bail pending arraignment at Framingham District Court.
Mayor Sisitsky emphasized the need for maintaining public confidence following the arrest, "My priority is to maintain public confidence in our local government and to ensure that the Planning Board remains focused on serving the best interests of our community," as per WVCB. As part of the city's response, Norton submitted his resignation ahead of the Christmas holiday, with the city actively seeking to fill the two open Planning Board positions to resume its critical functions in the wake of the scandal.
Meanwhile, Norton pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment and is awaiting his next hearing scheduled for Jan. 30. A man identified as Wesley A. De Souza posted his $2,000 cash bail, as per legal filings.
