Investigations

Investigations of Worcester County Police Departments always are conducted behind closed doors, subject to the discretion of District Attorney John J. Conte and his State Police C-Pac unit.

When the police are being investigated the need more transparency in order to build trust within the community.

April 14, 2007

No second probe of Ragsdale case

Policeman was shot accidentally

SHREWSBURY— Car dealer Mark P. Ragsdale will not face another grand jury probe for the accidental shooting of a Shrewsbury police officer last July, according to Timothy J. Connolly, spokesman for Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

In November, a grand jury heard evidence on the case, but did not indict Mr. Ragsdale. Police Chief James J. Hester Jr. asked Mr. Early to take a second look at the case in February. In a brief written statement released yesterday, Mr. Early said the case will not be submitted to another grand jury for review.

“The evidence in this case was presented to the grand jury in a thorough and complete manner. I’m not going to question the decision of the grand jury,” Mr. Early said in a statement.

November 15, 2006

Ex-lawman denies 2 morals charges

PALMER - A former town policeman was arraigned yesterday in District Court on charges of child pornography possession and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

William E. McCarthy, a patrolman from 1974 to 2002, had an innocent plea entered on his behalf by his lawyer, Jack F. St. Clair of Springfield, during his brief court appearance before Judge Patricia T. Poehler.

St. Clair waived the reading of the charges.

McCarthy, 59, of Palmer, was released on the condition that he stay away from the alleged victim. He will return to court on Dec. 7 for a pretrial conference.

June 24, 2006

Complaint filed against officer
Bednarz charged with assault

WARREN— A criminal complaint has been issued against Sgt. Jeffrey Y. Bednarz, 27, charging him with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly pointing a pistol at a fellow officer.

Worcester District Court Assistant Clerk Paul X. Johnson issued the complaint after a show-cause hearing Thursday. Sgt. Bednarz will be arraigned on the charge Aug. 28.

According to a statement filed by state police Sgt. Francis D. Leahy in support of the complaint, Sgt. Bednarz allegedly pointed a Berretta Model 96 pistol at Patrolman Mark J. Chase, 32, while the two sat in a marked Ford Explorer police cruiser last November.

May 9, 2006

Millville chief resigns
Settlement keeps Ryan on payroll

MILLVILLE— For more than half his life, Chief Timothy P. Ryan, 44, has been a police officer for Millville, and now that police work is done.

Chief Ryan, who became a police officer when he was 21 and was sworn in as chief on July 6, 1987 — the youngest police chief ever appointed in Massachusetts at the time — has resigned, effective Dec. 31. Although he will still be on the payroll until then, he will not be involved in any Police Department activities, according to a settlement agreement signed yesterday.

He also will be permitted to go to the FBI’s academy for municipal officers in October. Chief Ryan and town officials did not return phone calls yesterday after the agreement was released.

April 6, 2006

Union supports chief, officers -
Millville police hearings set

MILLVILLE - The Millville Police Union has come out in support of its police chief and two fellow officers, all of whom have been on administrative leave since last month, pending a hearing.

In a statement released earlier this week, all six members of the Millville Police Department - the town's remaining full-time officers - said the union unanimously voted to affirm its support of Patrol Officer Gerald Millette, Sgt. James Ryan and Police Chief Timothy P. Ryan, all of whom were relieved of duty by the Board of Selectmen on March 7 following an investigation by town counsel. The investigation stems from four written complaints from residents and former and current town employees regarding Police Department operations.

March 28, 2006

Millville chief faces accusations
Selectmen to hold hearing April 20

MILLVILLE— Police Chief Timothy P. Ryan faces 21 charges from the Board of Selectmen, including failing to establish written rules and regulations for his department, working paid details in violation of the state conflict-of-interest law, improperly inserting himself into a neighborhood dispute and inappropriately discussing a social service investigation with his officers.

The selectmen have scheduled a hearing for 6 p.m. April 20 in the Longfellow Municipal Center, and the hearing may last for several days. Chief Ryan has requested that the hearing be held in open session, according to his lawyer, Andrew J. Gambaccini, of the Worcester firm of Reardon, Joyce & Akerson.

March 14, 2006

State law stifles Warren chief
Sergeant’s leave unexplained

WARREN— Police Chief Glenn F. McKiel is remaining mum about an investigation into allegations against Sgt. Jeffrey Y. Bednarz, who has been on paid administrative leave since late last month.

In a written statement released yesterday, McKiel said he is prohibited by state law from commenting. He said the town’s lawyers have also advised him to refrain from speaking about the matter. No charges have been filed against Sgt. Bednarz.

Sgt. Bednarz, 26, is the subject of an investigation by the state police detective unit assigned to Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte’s office and based in Auburn, Mr. Conte confirmed last week.

March 10, 2006

Warren police sergeant investigated by Conte

WARREN— Police Sgt. Jeffrey Y. Bednarz, 26, once a semifinalist for the job of police chief, is being investigated by state police assigned to the Worcester district attorney’s office, District Attorney John J. Conte confirmed yesterday.

While Mr. Conte would not disclose further information, police sources have said allegations against Sgt. Bednarz came from within the department.

March 9, 2006

Millville is mum on probe of police
State takeover called overkill

MILLVILLE— Town officials at a press conference yesterday offered few details about allegations against Police Chief Timothy P. Ryan and two other member

s of the force that prompted the Board of Selectmen to relieve the officers of their duties and request assistance from the state police in running the department.

Chief Ryan; his brother, Sgt. James Ryan; and Officer Gerald Millette were placed on administrative leave Tuesday night by a vote of selectmen, meeting in executive session.

March 8, 2006

Millville chief, officers put on leave
Selectmen probe complaints on Police Dept.

MILLVILLE— The Massachusetts State Police has taken over operations of the Millville Police Department after Police Chief Timothy P. Ryan and two other police officers were placed on paid administrative leave last night, pending an investigation.

Diane McCutcheon, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said the selectmen voted in executive session last night to place the officers on paid administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. Ms. McCutcheon would not identify the other two police officer

last updated 14-Apr-2007 07:29 AM

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