Mass. — Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara is expanding her legal battle against the town, claiming she was forced out of her job because of her role in the investigation into the death of Sandra Birchmore.
An amended lawsuit filed Thursday alleges Town Manager Tom Calter retaliated against McNamara for assisting the FBI in its investigation and the upcoming murder trial of former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, who is charged with killing Birchmore.
Federal prosecutors allege Farwell killed Birchmore in 2021 after grooming and sexually abusing her over several years, beginning when she was a teenager participating in the Stoughton Police Department’s youth explorer program. Farwell has pleaded not guilty.
The amended complaint accuses Calter of violating the Massachusetts Whistleblower Act in two ways.
According to the lawsuit, McNamara was retaliated against for cooperating with the FBI’s investigation and prosecution of Farwell. It also alleges she refused to comply with Calter’s demands to destroy a second investigative report related to the Birchmore case.
The lawsuit further claims Calter appointed an acting police chief just 48 hours after McNamara filed a harassment complaint against him.
The latest filing comes one day after the Stoughton Select Board voted to place both McNamara and Calter on paid administrative leave while the town investigates the escalating dispute. Both have filed complaints against each other.
“The lawsuit will continue and counts will be added,” attorney Leah Barrault, who represents McNamara, said Wednesday night. “We’re going to continue to fight this. It should have been done properly to begin with, and the fact that three weeks later they’re now trying to make it right is not soon enough.”
Barrault said McNamara intends to fully cooperate with any investigation into the dispute.
“Whatever investigation goes forward, Chief McNamara intends to comply fully,” Barrault said. “She has nothing to hide.”
The dispute has drawn significant public attention in Stoughton. McNamara received a standing ovation from residents when she entered Wednesday night’s Select Board meeting.
“It’s been amazing, and it’s probably what’s getting me through and will get me through the weeks to come,” McNamara said of the community’s support.
A court hearing that had been scheduled for Friday has been canceled, but Barrault said the lawsuit is moving forward.
Calter declined to comment after Boston 25 reached out multiple times since this dispute was made public.
The Stoughton Select Board has voted to hire an independent firm to investigate the allegations before determining any further action.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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