Somerville detective says counterfeiting charges are politically motivated

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — A Somerville police detective is facing charges after allegedly using counterfeit money to pay a hotel bill.

Alex Capobianco had a troubled history with the department, and was fired more than a decade ago on suspicion of selling drugs. He was later reinstated and has since had a decorated career.

Capobianco’s attorney said the counterfeit charges aren’t a reflection of his past. Instead, he said, they are a reflection of his family, including his cousin - Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

“This is smear campaign,” Christopher Alberto said. “A contingent within the Somerville Police Department is using Alex Capobianco as a way to hurt Joe Curtatone.”

Cambridge police say Capobianco was eating and drinking inside the Hyatt Regency on Memorial Drive in February and tried to pay his tab with fake $20 and $50 bills.

“He never denied he was at the hotel, yes he was at the hotel. There are 500 to 1,000 people that go to this hotel every day,” Alberto said.

Alberto said the real crime is that someone inside the investigation leaked surveillance images of Capobianco inside the Hyatt Regency to the press.

“Those are what the allegations are, but the only thing they have are pictures of somebody walking out of a hotel,” he said.

Alberto said Capobianco, a former detective of the year, only wants to prove his innocence - and get back on the job to do what he loves

Capobianco pleaded not guilty in court and was released on bond. He had been fired from the police department, but was reinstated after the civil service commission determined he was targeted because of his relationship to the mayor.

Cox Media Group