Firefighter pleads not guilty to solicitation charge

May 27, 2008 06:58 PM Email| Comments (0)| Text size – +

By Eric Moskowitz Globe Staff

A Boston firefighter who was allegedly snared in a prostitution sting pleaded not guilty today in Roxbury District Court to a charge of soliciting sex for a fee.

Collin M. Herelle was ordered to stay away from the Blue Hill Avenue area and to participate in a program for individuals engaged in high-risk behavior, a standard condition in sex-for-fee cases, Suffolk County prosecutors said. A pretrial hearing was slated for July 9.

Herelle's attorney, Matthew Machera, didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

Boston Police have said that an officer disguised as a prostitute was standing at a public parking lot near Blue Hill Avenue and La Grange Place at about 10:50 p.m. Friday when Herelle pulled up in his white Cadillac and offered $29 for a sex act, according to police. The undercover officer signaled to other officers nearby, who moved in and arrested Herelle.

Herelle, who is 44, lives in Dorchester. A veteran of six years with the department, he is assigned to Engine 4 on Cambridge Street in downtown Boston. City records show that Herelle earned nearly $98,000 in gross pay last year.

Fire department spokesman Steve MacDonald said Herelle has worked several shifts since his arrest and has reported his arrest to his superiors. "He will keep the department informed of his court case, including what the final disposition is,'' MacDonald said. "At that time, the department will review it to see if any action is warranted.''

Officers also seized Herelle's car, a 2004 Cadillac wagon, for 48 hours and issued a $300 citation for using the vehicle to solicit a prostitute, in accordance with a Boston ordinance, police said.

Eric Moskowitz can be reached at emoskowitz@globe.com.