WEST BRIDGEWATER The Police Department's second-in-command, Lt. Raymund Rogers, told witnesses he is fighting for his job following allegations that he misappropriated town property and resources, although neither he nor selectmen would elaborate.
On Tuesday, selectmen met with Rogers behind closed doors for about four hours before continuing his disciplinary hearing until Oct. 17.
Rogers who earned $149,648 in 2006, more than any other town employee has been on paid administrative leave since September.
He faces accusations of conduct unbecoming of a police officer in connection with alleged misappropriation of municipal property and resources after a yearlong internal investigation, town officials said.
On Tuesday, selectmen and Town Counsel David Gay met with Rogers and the police union's attorney as well as about a dozen police officers and other expert witnesses called to testify before the board.
After the meeting, selectmen declined to comment.
The union's attorney requested the hearing take place behind closed doors.
Selectman Matthew Albanese said the board also preferred to meet in executive session for other reasons.
The nature of the subject matter would not have been appropriate for all audiences, he said.
The board is going to be thorough and respectful of the officer's rights and what's in the best interests of the town. This isn't something that the board takes lightly. I'm hopeful there will be a speedy resolution, but more importantly, the matter will be adjudicated one way or the other, Albanese said.
I can't reveal anything until all the stuff comes before us. We've got to be fair until we hear everything, selectmen Chairman Eldon Moreira said.
We have a lot of evidence and witnesses to see. Once that's done, we'll make a conclusion that's best for the town, Selectman Jerry Lawrence said. During a break, Rogers declined comment to reporters.
But Rogers, who is president of the West Bridgewater Police Association, has denied any wrongdoing and predicted he would be returned to duty.
He said union activity prompted the disciplinary action.
Rogers and three of the department's four sergeants protested against the creation of a nonunion deputy police chief position sought by Police Chief Donald Clark, prompting the cancellation of a May 12 departmental promotional examination.
But in 2002, the state Ethics Commission issued a public enforcement letter against Rogers following a complaint by former Sgt. Philip Tuck that Rogers violated the conflict-of-interest law by asking subordinate employees to transport family members across town.
The commission said it had reasonable cause to believe that he asked a subordinate to perform personal errands on municipal time using public resources.
Rogers said the rides were given with the permission of former Police Chief Robert Kominsky and the practice was not unusual among staff members.
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