BOSTON — A high-ranking Boston police official has filed a lawsuit against Commissioner Michael Cox, alleging retaliation after uncovering widespread fraud in the department’s paid-detail system.
In a new complaint filed in Suffolk Superior Court, longtime department veteran Marcus Eddings claims Cox demoted him from superintendent to deputy superintendent after he reported evidence of 693 violations involving 43 officers in the paid-detail program.
According to the filing, some violations were backed by video evidence.
Eddings alleges that Cox told him to stop investigating, warning that further scandals would give the department “another black eye” and harm Cox’s legacy.
“At this time, another BPD official told Eddings that the Department could not realistically fire 15-25 officers,” the lawsuit states.
Despite that, Eddings continued his probe, which he says led to his demotion on January 20, 2024.
Read the full filing:
The suit alleges a violation of the Massachusetts Whistleblower Act and tortious interference by Cox, claiming the demotion was motivated by retaliation and personal hostility.
Eddings is seeking reinstatement as superintendent, compensatory and punitive damages for lost income, emotional distress, and reputational harm, and attorney’s fees and injunctive relief to enforce whistleblower protections.
In a statement in response to the lawsuit, the Boston Police Department told Boston 25 News, “Due to pending litigation, we would decline comment.”
Eddings joined the department in 1996, working in various roles, including patrol force, drug control, youth violence, internal affairs, and homicide, before a string of promotions that landed him the superintendent job in 2019.
In a statement, his legal team told Boston 25, “Eddings is a highly credentialed and respected officer who has dedicated his entire career to faithfully serving the people of Boston. As this case shows, he has always placed duty and commitment to the rule of law above all else and has carried out his responsibilities with the utmost integrity and professionalism. We keenly look forward to proving the merits of his claims and ensuring he is restored to his rightful position as a Superintendent of the Boston Police Department.”
The case is calling for a jury trial.
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