“In October 2005, a Somerville police officer living in Melrose raped
his 23-month-old niece with a hot object, most likely a curling iron.
“Keith Winfield, then 31, told police he was alone with the toddler
that day and made additional statements that would ultimately be used
to convict him.

“But in the aftermath of the crime, a Middlesex County grand jury
overseen by Martha Coakley, then the district attorney, investigated
without taking action. It was only after the toddler’s mother filed
applications for criminal complaints that Coakley won grand jury
indictments charging rape and assault and battery.

“Even then, nearly 10 months after the crime, Coakley’s office
recommended that Winfield be released on personal recognizance, with
no cash bail. He remained free until December 2007, when Coakley’s
successor as district attorney won a conviction and two life terms.”

http://bigjournalism.com/ghewson/201...idate-coakley/