Taunton City Council says they still have faith in mayor’s administration following arrest

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Taunton City Council President David Pottier says he has “faith” in Mayor Shaunna O’Connell’s administration to continue to manage the city, following her recent arrest for allegedly assaulting her husband.

O’Connell pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of assault involving an incident with her husband, Ted O’Connell, that happened over the weekend.

She was charged with assault and battery on a family member, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Over the weekend, according to the police report, officials responded to the home of O’Connell and her husband Ted after receiving a call about a domestic incident.

When they arrived, they were greeted by her husband standing in the driveway who said the two had gotten into an argument that had gotten physical.

Her husband told police that O’Connell proceeded to bite him on the forearm and grab a gasket cleaner, hitting him in the hand.

He continued that he tried to leave in their car, but O’Connell got on the hood of the car so he wasn’t able to leave.

In the letter to residents dated July 22, Pottier said that he trusted the police department and the District Attorney to conduct a fair, thorough and transparent investigation of the incident and for the parties in the matter to be treated “fairly and equitably.”

“I have faith in the Administration to continue to successfully manage the day to day responsibilities of our City and to move Taunton ever forward and I know the City Council will represent our Citizens to the best of our abilities to ensure a fair, thorough and transparent process is followed,” he said.

“I know the the Mayor and Ted well, and respect their family’s call for privacy at this time and wish them the best as they work on their personal matters,” he said.

O’Connell is serving her third two-year term as mayor. She was first elected back in 2019.

You can read the full letter here:

Full letter from City Council President David Pottier. (WLNE)