Chelmsford Police Lieutenant Indicted for Allegedly Protecting Drunken Law Enforcement Employee
A police lieutenant in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, has been indicted on charges of tampering with a record, witness intimidation, and violating the standards of conduct as a public employee almost a year after allegedly ordering a subordinate not to charge a law enforcement employee who was arrested.
The charges against 54-year-old Francis Goode Jr. stem from an incident on March 16, 2024, when Michael Caprigno, who was almost involved in a head-on collision, was stopped by a Chelmsford officer. Caprigno, who displayed signs of intoxication, allegedly mentioned his employment with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and warned officers they would regret arresting him.
Upon instructions from Goode, the officer issued a citation and did not pursue further steps related to Caprigno’s arrest. Caprigno was not booked during the encounter.
The Chelmsford Police Department’s Chief, Colin Spence, revealed that Goode had been placed on paid administrative leave following the investigation by an outside firm that uncovered potential policy violations. Additional allegations of unlawful conduct related to the March 2024 incident prompted the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office to begin its investigation.
District Attorney Marian Ryan emphasized the need for accountability, stating that law enforcement employees should not be allowed to escape responsibility for breaking the law. The Chelmsford Police Department has cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation.
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