Post by Logan on Apr 16, 2016 7:47:58 GMT -6
Portsmouth attorney: $21M demand alleging police misconduct 'unsupported'
PORTSMOUTH — Blowback from a $21 million demand letter, from five people alleging police misconduct, will likely include sustained image damage for the Police Department and an "obstacle" to recovery from a police inheritance scandal, according to City Attorney Robert Sullivan.
The letter includes allegations against former Deputy Chief Corey MacDonald, who called them "absolutely and completely baseless." It was served to the Police Commission, through a lawyer, by Seacoast resident Ryan Hitchings, who is seeking $8 million, Portsmouth native Arthur Clough, who seeks $5 million, and Portsmouth attorney Justin Nadeau, who seeks $8 million. Also plaintiffs are Nadeau's wife, Michelle, and a relative of Clough's, who was a minor at the time of the alleged damages.
The demand letter also names two current police detectives, accusing one of losing a search affidavit that resulted in the dismissal of child pornography charges and of harassing a minor crime victim outside a city courthouse. The other current detective is accused of helping MacDonald retaliate against Justin Nadeau by reporting allegations against the lawyer to the FBI.
Interim Police Chief David Mara said Thursday he has no comment about any of the allegations in the demand letter because it threatens litigation and therefore belongs with the city attorney. He also assured that, "We're not changing anything we do here."
Read more: www.seacoastonline.com/news/20160414/portsmouth-attorney-21m-demand-alleging-police-misconduct-unsupported
PORTSMOUTH — Blowback from a $21 million demand letter, from five people alleging police misconduct, will likely include sustained image damage for the Police Department and an "obstacle" to recovery from a police inheritance scandal, according to City Attorney Robert Sullivan.
The letter includes allegations against former Deputy Chief Corey MacDonald, who called them "absolutely and completely baseless." It was served to the Police Commission, through a lawyer, by Seacoast resident Ryan Hitchings, who is seeking $8 million, Portsmouth native Arthur Clough, who seeks $5 million, and Portsmouth attorney Justin Nadeau, who seeks $8 million. Also plaintiffs are Nadeau's wife, Michelle, and a relative of Clough's, who was a minor at the time of the alleged damages.
The demand letter also names two current police detectives, accusing one of losing a search affidavit that resulted in the dismissal of child pornography charges and of harassing a minor crime victim outside a city courthouse. The other current detective is accused of helping MacDonald retaliate against Justin Nadeau by reporting allegations against the lawyer to the FBI.
Interim Police Chief David Mara said Thursday he has no comment about any of the allegations in the demand letter because it threatens litigation and therefore belongs with the city attorney. He also assured that, "We're not changing anything we do here."
Read more: www.seacoastonline.com/news/20160414/portsmouth-attorney-21m-demand-alleging-police-misconduct-unsupported