STOUGHTON, Mass. — Questions are growing over who is actually leading the Stoughton Police Department, after town officials announced an acting chief on Wednesday.
Chief Donna McNamara’s attorney is fighting back, with a formal letter sent to the town on Thursday.
Boston 25 News spoke with Attorney Leah Barrault on Wednesday, hours after Town Manager Thomas Calter announced that Deputy Chief O’Connor was appointed acting chief.
When asked why McNamara is no longer leading the department, Boston 25 was told the town does not discuss personnel matters.
Now a letter sent to the town by Attorney Barrault is challenging that appointment. The letter states that a review of the town charter shows the authority to appoint an acting police chief rests with the select board.
Attorney Barrault says she is not aware of any vote authorizing Deputy Chief O’Connor’s appointment and argues that McNamara remains the town’s police chief by contract because she has not resigned or voluntarily stepped down from her duties.
Boston 25 News tried to reach Town Manager Calter once again on Thursday for a response to this letter and the allegations; his office told our crews they had no comment at this time.
A Stoughton select board meeting is scheduled for Thursday night where the very public dispute is set to be discussed.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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