LAWRENCE — Leading city councilors lashed out at Mayor Brian DePena, saying $1.2 million is being paid to past and temporary Lawrence police chiefs as the search for a permanent Police Department leader drags on.
The criticism comes from two councilors who issued a public statement on Friday, and a third who posted on Facebook.
Simultaneously, the state’s Civil Service Commission called for an investigation into police hiring practices in Lawrence, and a city police union said it’s been denied access to a consultant’s report on former Chief William Castro.
“There is no transparency when a city denies a public information request and access to documents from investigations that were paid for with public monies,” said Detective Paul MacMillan, president of the LPD patrol officer’s union, NEPBA Local 125, on Friday.
“Every taxpayer in Lawrence should be outraged that they will be kept in the dark regarding matters of public concern. It’s starting to smell like a cover up. The cover up is usually worse than the incident itself,” he added.
Echoing the police union, District B City Councilor Wendy Luzon said she has repeatedly requested information on the consultant’s investigation, commissioned by the DePena administration, into former, Provisional Police Chief William Castro. The probe concluded in October, she said.
“However, to date, no report has been published nor has there been clear communication about the findings. This is unacceptable. The lack of transparency not only breeds mistrust but also raises questions about how public funds are being managed,” Luzon said.
“As the District B Councilor, I will continue to demand the release of this report and greater clarity on this matter,” she stressed.
Demand for transparency
City Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez and Vice President Stephany Infante issued the statement demanding more transparency from DePena.
“The City Council has consistently sought to collaborate with the administration, requesting detailed information and regular updates on the investigation and police chief hiring search,” they stated. “Unfortunately, these requests have not been adequately addressed. These issues have eroded public trust and hindered the city’s ability to effectively address community needs.”
“The lack of transparency and irresponsible fiscal management, including approximately $1.2 million spent on police chiefs’ settlement and salaries in the last two years, and an unaccounted amount for an investigation that has not been disclosed by the mayor, is unacceptable,” according to the statement.
But a top aide to DePena downplayed any communication issues.
Octavien Spanner said a consultant was hired to streamline the search for the next police chief. The open job was advertised and approximately 30 individuals applied, said Spanner, senior advisor to DePena.
The job description advertised in November described Lawrence as a vibrant and growing community of 89,000 with a Police Department of 172 sworn officers, 27 civilian staffers and three unions.
Report coming out soon
Spanner said the consultant’s report on Castro would be released in about two weeks.
Spanner, relaying comments from DePena, said Rodriguez and Infante were “playing political games” by issuing a statement that may not reflect the opinions of all city councilors.
The costs associated with Lawrence police chiefs have piled up since June 30, 2023, when Chief Roy Vasque retired after reaching a $780,000 settlement with DePena.
Castro, a retired county correctional officer and political ally of DePena, was later named provisional chief with a $210,000 salary.
But in March 2024, Castro was placed on administrative leave after his credentials to serve as a police officer were suspended by a state commission for being “untruthful” in a report about a motor vehicle pursuit.
Castro’s “hiring and certification practices” for certain police officers were also called into question, according to the March 21 suspension notice from the state’s Peace Officer Standard and Training Commission.
POST’s mission “is to improve policing and enhance public confidence in law enforcement by implementing a fair process for mandatory certification, discipline, and training” for all police officers in Massachusetts.
Still on the payroll
To date, Castro remains on administrative leave and on the payroll, according to officials.
With Castro’s exit, Lt. Melix Bonilla became acting police chief with a salary of $200,000.
Luzon said she’s very concerned the city is currently paying the salaries, including one for a person who “remains at home.”
“Our community deserves to know how their money is being spent and to have confidence that their leaders are working in their best interests. I am committed to fighting for the transparency and integrity we all expect,” she said.
“It’s time for Mayor DePeña to be transparent and accountable. We must demand answers on the process of the current investigation and hiring of the next police chief,” said Rodriguez.
Infante echoed similar sentiments.
“Despite our best efforts, we’ve seen no meaningful action from the administration. We will continue to seek full transparency and accountability to guarantee good governance for all our residents,” she said.
The state’s Civil Service Commission, in a decision issued last month in Richard Abreu vs. the City of Lawrence, said errors in the LPD hiring and appointment process do not appear limited. The commission initiated the investigation.
Employment offer rescinded
In December 2023, Lawrence rescinded an LPD employment offer to Abreu due to issues with his application and background. Abreu appealed and the commission upheld the city’s decision.
“Although, for these reasons, Mr. Abreu’s bypass should be affirmed, I am not persuaded that left to its own devices, the city will, on a going forward basis, conduct fair, impartial and sufficiently thorough background investigations that form the foundation of a fair, impartial ad transparent appointment process,” wrote Commissioner Angela McConney.
In their statement, Rodriguez, Infante and unnamed “like-minded councilors” also expressed their “unwavering support for the dedicated members of the Lawrence Police Department.”
“Despite the challenges created by this situation, they continue to carry out their daily duties with professionalism and commitment, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing them with the resources and support necessary to perform their vital roles effectively,” according to the statement.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTrib and on Threads at jillyharma.