Dartmouth Police Chief sues city, officials for $4-million
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
DARTMOUTH, MA – Dartmouth Police Chief, Timothy Lee, is suing the town in a federal lawsuit for $4-million dollars. In a formal complaint filed in early June, the chief explains intentional retaliation by specific town officials, dating back to 2010.
"The circumstances and facts have taken a significant toll on he and his family through a traumatic experience,” said Eric Brainsky, Lee’s attorney.
The chief cited numerous times when two town officials and one fellow officer went out of their way to unfairly target him. In September, town officials allegedly denied Lee his benefits while out on medical leave, saying he had insufficient medical documentation.
On another occasion, Lee states there were attempts by the town administrator, David Cressman, to change the chain of command to make Lee report to him.
"There was a power struggle from the very beginning. Mr. Cressman repeatedly said to Chief Lee that he should report to him, as opposed to the board of selectman (…) and Chief Lee refused to do so,” said Brainsky.
Cressman’s attorney told ABC-6 News he is reviewing the complaint, but believes Cressman will be cleared.
"Mr. Cressman broadly disagrees with many of the allegations made by chief and we’re committed to the process and confident he’ll be exonerated,” said Attorney Christoper Petrini, of Petrini and Associates PC.
Chief Lee’s contract happens to be up at the end of June. Lee’s attorney said he and Lee have not discussed re-signing.
