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September 28, 2007

Mayor puts Methuen police chief on paid leave indefinitely

Jill Harmacinski

METHUEN — Methuen police Chief Joseph Solomon was put on paid leave indefinitely at 12:05 p.m. today.

Mayor William Manzi said the move was not disciplinary in nature, according a press statement. The leave is to continue while the city investigates Solomon's conduct as well as the conduct of officers serving under him.

Capt. Kathy Lavigne will take over as chief on a temporary basis, said Matt Kraunelis, Manzi's chief of staff.

"It's business as usual," Lavigne said. "We're trying to keep Methuen safe and keep policing going."

The action comes four days after Manzi described the situation at the police department as "untenable and dysfunctional" and told The Eagle-Tribune that he would take action against the chief. When asked about Manzi's statements yesterday, Solomon said he had no comment.

Solomon's removal comes a year after federal authorities launched an investigation into grant misspending in the police department. The city already repaid $23,000 in grant money and may be on the hook for another $170,000. The city is appealing the U.S. Department of Justice demand for repayment.

The City Council took a 5 to 3 vote of "no confidence" in the chief in the spring. And last week, Solomon filed a lawsuit against city officials, claiming they had no legal basis to reduce his $158,295 salary by $25,610 when his contract expired in June.

A hearing on Solomon's pay was held on Wednesday. Superior Court Judge Thomas Murtagh could rule as early as today whether the city should keep paying Solomon his previous salary while a formal hearing is pending.

For more information, please see tomorrow's The Eagle-Tribune.

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