BURRILLVILLE – A firefighter/EMT with the Pascoag Fire Department who was indicted by a Providence County grand jury in January on a felony charge of domestic violence – sexual assault pleaded not guilty last week in Rhode Island Superior Court.
Matthew Dupuis, 44, of Pascoag, entered the charge through his attorney, John Larochelle of Providence-based Larochelle Law.
Dupuis was indicted last month for an incident that allegedly took place in 2016 involving his now ex-wife. The case was filed in April of 2024, the same month the couple filed for a divorce, which was finalized in September.
The indictment stated that, on a date between January of 2015 and March of 2024, Dupuis engaged in sexual penetration by force or coercion with the victim.
He was arraigned on Wednesday, Feb. 12 before Superior Court Judge John McBurney, and was release on $10,000 personal recognizance with a no contact order, according to records in the state criminal database.
Dupuis, a full time career firefighter with the Pascoag Fire Department, was named the Nicholas S. Sabella Firefighter of the Year by the district for 2023, an award he received last year even as the case was underway.
He was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case just after the indictment was announced.
According to arrest records, Dupuis turned himself in to Burrillville police for processing following the arraignment on the felony charge of 1st Degree Sexual Assault.
The case is due back in court for a pre-trial conference on Monday, April 7.
Editor’s note: The above article was edited to note that Dupuis was suspended without pay.
The wrongful accusing of this man is incorrect. I know this Gentleman and know this was Not something he would have done. The bitter exwife who got caught having an affair is just trying to have revenge towards him. She had no problem with any of this when the shoe was on the opposite foot when she had an affair on her exhusband as well. This story is completely false and BS. This gentleman has worked endless hours and years to help people in the small town of Burrillville and other surrounding towns while on the fire department and rescue. This guy has given the shirt off his back and he needs help and support from everyone. He has saved lives for years, and fought fires that some people would never. He is a Hero!!! Dont be fooled by her Zero.. Enough is enough of these false accusations and people need to realize she is not a victim in this situation, He is.. Its all to easy for someone to make a false statement and completely ruin someones life, career and personal appearance. But truly how can someone that claims this drastic situation up and leave so quick and already get themselves married again in such a short time of a divorce. Is that guy the next victim? She needs to do the right thing and tell the truth!!! The made up lies are wrong. Please everyone Pray for this Gentleman, He is the victim!! He is a Hero!!
Christopher, of course you will defend your cousin. However, the fact you are defending his actions when evidence has been presented says enough. We all went to school together and know he has an issue/ addiction with women. A look at your wrap sheet will show why you defend those actions, because it must run in the family. Ladies and gentleman, he is not the victim here.
Becca, if this is even who you really are and not a imposter!! There was no evidence just false claims!! The sob story was able to persuade, but it will be the proof on the stand that will have the conclusion. Im not defending due to him being my cousin because we very rarely have spoken since he first fell in love with the fake that he called his wife.. We did used to talk daily until he was blinded by her thinking she loved him and got his family seperated away from him. But one can see through BS just as it is.. And you say you know me?? News flash you dont!! Im a true genuine honest guy that would do anything for anyone as long as they’re not a piece of garbage. So please hold your opinions! Thanks..
Justice for Matthew!!!
End the false accusations!!!
Whoa! Her case was filed 8 yrs AFTER the supposed incident, and when a divorce was filed in 2024, which speaks volumes, very suspicious of intentions to manipulate the system by her possibly. Give me what I want or else…..we have seen this tactic used before against good vulnerable defendants.
Let the court decide. But plenty of ppl have lied and gotten away with things which would be no surprise in the court system. Seems all too convenient to file this accusation suddenly. Read between the lines I say.
Sandy,
I hope you look into all these allegations, especially the inconsistency of the department roll call. Seems to be a bigger story and a lot of concern of the residents of Pascoag.
The bigger story seems to be the overall operation of the department l from leadership starting with the Board.
Hi. I did actually make a call about this yesterday and learned that the PFD website is currently maintained by a member of the hose company. It is unclear why that individual would have made the errors mentioned, but they say it was not a decision or error made by leadership. They tell me they are now in the process of updating the site with a current and correct roster.
It is an error by leadership if they are not overseeing this website or monitoring it. The website represent the district from members to the board to the lower ranks.
And for them to say “it is not a decision or error made by leadership” is a perfect example of how poorly these members of the board lead.
Instead of taking responsibility accepting the error and making the actions to correct this. They quickly pass blame. It’s just another example of the lack of leadership, the so called board members have. It’s just like the Patriots of last season. LACK OF LEADERSHIP. When is this going to end?
I am paraphrasing – not quoting – the response I received in hopes to answer your question. Please do not attribute my words to leadership.
As mentioned, the answer was that historically, neither the governing board or the chief was overseeing or maintaining the website, but the effort to change this is currently underway.
Sarah, I have to agree. As concerned community members, we must ask: Who is responsible for managing and updating the Pascoag Fire Department’s website and social media channels? It’s crucial that any updates or changes made are reviewed and approved by the department’s leadership to ensure accuracy and accountability to the taxpayers.
Additionally, there are troubling reports that Pascoag Fire blocked the victim of this news article on social media, raising questions about the department’s communication practices. It’s important that the community understands why this action was taken and if it aligns with the department’s policies for handling sensitive situations. Not just defending a member of their own. The best practice would be not to be involved and do what is in the best interest of the community.
Transparency in social media and digital engagement is key in maintaining public trust. The Pascoag Fire Department should be clear about their online practices and responsive to concerns raised by the public. Together, we can work towards a better, more transparent future.
As a resident of Pascoag for nearly 50 years, it deeply troubles me to see the reputation of the Pascoag Fire Department decline. What’s even more concerning is that someone accused of serious misconduct was allowed to continue treating patients in the back of our rescue for almost a year, and leadership and board members turned a blind eye.
It’s equally disturbing to see other professionals, who hold licenses within the state and serve on our department, defend him and downplay the situation. Our community deserves better—especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of the people who rely on our public services. We should be demanding transparency and accountability to protect the public from any potential harm.
This situation is bigger than just one individual; it’s about ensuring that our community is safe and that those in positions of responsibility uphold the standards we all deserve.
Behind closed doors, many things are concealed, hidden away from the world. When the truth is ugly, those well known within the community often try to keep it locked away, knowing the damage it could cause if revealed. But no matter how much it’s disguised or buried, truth has a way of surfacing.
In court, the story isn’t just told—it’s proven. Evidence is presented, testimonies are given, and no stone is left unturned. A Grand Jury decides without doubt whether a crime has been committed. It’s not just a matter of one side’s word. If the Grand Jury felt there wasn’t enough evidence, the case would have been dropped and there would have been no indictment or arraignment, knowing this from my professional legal experience.
Matthew will have his day in court. The truth will come forward. And when it does, it will be clear for all to see. Justice isn’t just about revealing the truth, it’s about ensuring it’s heard, understood, and rightfully acted upon.
My understanding was her couldn’t pass his cardiac license and the board hired him an EMT-B/ driver. Nothing again Matt or matt being an EMT Basic but why would the Board settle for less than Advance Cardiac Life Support services such as a cardiac or paramedic. The Department has fallen so far behind, and that’s because of the poor leadership over the last 15-20 years. Its sad that it was once a department that was spoken highly of, Emergency room doctors would use them as an example. this is no longer the case, between this and jimmy who was recently was suspended from the department of health for failure of reporting calls. What next?? I have witnessed the decline being on a neighboring department and working in the emergency room where Pascoag transports to. Its sad, unfortunately the old saying is true, all good things come to an end. And I am referring to the pride, professionalism and honor that Pascoag Fire Department ONCE had.
You are 110% correct and it’s very sad to witness! U never hear the neighboring depts in the news yet always PFD! Eye opener maybe!!
Hi Brian, I recently visited the Pascoag Fire Department’s website to review the list of members and elected officials, and I was surprised to see that Matthew Dupuis is listed as an EMT-C (Cardiac), despite the fact that he is actually an EMT Basic, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s public records.
This raises a significant concern: Is the Pascoag Fire Department misleading the public about Matthew Dupuis’ actual qualifications? The Department of Health lists him as an EMT Basic, and as you mentioned, he was unable to pass the cardiac licensing process.
Transparency and honesty are crucial when it comes to public safety, especially in light of the ongoing legal situation. The public deserves to know the truth about the qualifications of those who are entrusted with their care.
Here are the links for your reference:
Pascoag Fire Department Member List: https://www.pascoagfire.org/members.html
RI Department of Health License Info: https://health.ri.gov/find/licensees/results.php?id=40857&license=EMT19604&prof=284
#PublicSafety #Accountability #Transparency
After additional research on the members of Pascoag Fire Department:
Ashley Boucher is listed on Pascoag Fire Dept. as an EMT-C, however according to the RI Dept. of Health she is an EMT-B.
Tyler Mathieu is listed on Pascoag Fire Dept. as an EMT-C and according to the RI Dept. of Health is not licensed as an EMT at all.
I have lost all trust in Pascoag Fire Department. And again I will reiterate:
Transparency and honesty are crucial when it comes to public safety, especially in light of the ongoing legal situation. The public deserves to know the truth about the qualifications of those who are entrusted with their care.
There is no way the misrepresentation was an accident. Same players, same last names. That place has been a joke for much too long. How many people have to die before someone steps in??
Is he still working for the department? I certainly would be worried, wouldn’t want my daughter needing service if he was there or working. How come the chief or the board of directors haven’t comment on this?? Shouldn’t their job be one of reassuring and protection of us tax people?
They are probably sweeping this under the rug as they always do, that board needs a no confident vote. Jeopardizing the safety of our tax payers by eliminating trucks and services by going against ISO rating. And we wonder why tax rates have been increasing. these are not the days of Donnie Levesque overseeing things. May he rest in peace.
He was allowed to work after indicted when the Board and Chief were very well aware of the pending charges! And when victim made department aware they blocked her and never responded to her concerns.
He was not removed with unpaid leave until 2/12 when charged in Superior Court and turned himself him to be booked.
Everyone here is so uninformed. It’s disgusting.
Please Lisa Fill us in. The point of the matter is he is a civil servant, and he is held in the highest of regards to professionalism. Regardless of the truth. The fact that he is “accused” of such action is disturbing and unfortunately no matter what, assumptions are already made. And Matt will have this over his head no matter the outcome Guilty or Not Guilty.
Lisa I believe you unfortunately may be grossly uninformed of the truth as are many others. I know a couple of his “victims” he manipulated over the years. So I find this to be of no surprise honestly. The Pascoag Fire District has a duty to protect its taxpayers. The fact the the Fire Chief and members of the board knew of the investigation first hand and allowed him to continue to serve our community for the next 11 months while under an investigation for sexual assault, blows my mind. Taxpayers in their most vulnerable moments in his hands. The truth will prevail as it always does. Just remember you’re hearing a single side to a story. Let the courts do their jobs, that’s what they are there for. I do clearly understand the only way a RI Grand Jury will Indict and arraign is with proper evidence otherwise the charges would have been dropped. Best of luck.