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Merrimack Valley

Police raid Methuen home of Lawrence school superintendent

Search is part of probe into alleged financial improprieties

By Crystal Bozek
cbozek@eagletribune.com
Published: June 24, 2009

METHUEN — Police raided Lawrence schools Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy's home in Methuen last night, carrying away files, computer equipment and a small black trunk after searching the home for more than two hours.

Lawrence police Chief John Romero confirmed the raid is part of an ongoing criminal investigation of alleged financial improprieties within the Lawrence School Department.

State police and officers from the Lawrence Police Department first walked out with a computer tower and some files at around 10 p.m. They made another two trips out with folders, briefcases, brown paper bags and computer equipment hoisted on their shoulders before taking off shortly after 11 p.m.

Last night's search follows on the heels of a raid last Friday night at School Department offices in downtown Lawrence also in which computer equipment and files were confiscated.

Laboy, 58, and his family were present for last night's search. His attorney, Scott Gleason of Haverhill, arrived midway through.

Every light in the superintendent's Howe Street house was turned on, even in the basement. Police could be seen through a large picture window searching the premises with flashlights, flipping through papers and taking photographs.

Detectives later made their way to Laboy's garage, searching a room above the garage with flashlights as Laboy and Gleason looked on from the driveway.

Seven vehicles were parked on the sidewalk in front of Laboy's home, causing people to slow down as they drove by and stare, some honking and yelling out.

Lawrence teachers union President Frank McLaughlin was one of the people driving by last night on his way home from a Lawrence School Committee meeting. He lives close by.

"I thought there was a party," he said. "I've been a teacher for 28 years and never seen anything like this."

Police on the scene last night would not comment on what they found. Romero also declined further comment, referring all questions to the office of District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.

Once police left, Gleason came out of the house and approached reporters standing on the sidewalk.

"The family would like for you to leave," Gleason said.

When asked if he had anything to say about the search, Gleason replied, "No comment," before walking back down Laboy's driveway.

Gleason recently represented Haverhill Highway Superintendent James Flaherty and his son, Kevin Flaherty, who were found guilty of felony theft charges in Salem Superior Court this month.

Laboy has been on medical leave for stress for several weeks but had vowed to be back at his desk this week.

Last night's raid came as the Lawrence School Committee was wrapping up its regular meeting.

After the meeting. Mayor Michael Sullivan, who is chairman of the School Committee, said "the city and superintendent and everybody involved is cooperating fully" with the investigation.

"Not knowing the actual specifics why they're at his house, as a colleague and a friend, you hate to see the family involved. That's unfortunate," Sullivan said.

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