Former Merrimack Valley Police Chief Pleads Guilty To Abuse-Of-Power Charges

METHUEN, MA — The former chief of police in Methuen pleaded guilty to 17 charges that he abused his power, including charges related to perjury, forgery and fraud, in Essex Superior Court on Friday.

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office said former Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon misused his position to undermine the law for his own benefit, including by hiring six part-time intermittent officers to the Methuen Police Department and then unlawfully appointing them to full-time roles.

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Solomon was sentenced to 2.5 years in the House of Corrections, 30 days to serve, the balance suspended for three years. Solomon will also lose his city pension, license to carry a firearm, and private investigator's license.

"Massachusetts communities rely on their police chiefs to make the best decisions for the safety and security of residents. Former Chief Solomon broke that trust by misusing his authority to elevate unqualified officers, putting residents' well-being at risk," said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

A 2023 joint investigation by the AGO and the Essex District Attorney's Office determined that Solomon promoted part-time intermittent officers into full-time positions, even though they were unqualified for those positions, in violation of civil service laws.

The AG's Office said Solomon falsely claimed that one officer, Sean Fountain, had graduated from the police academy, when he had not, and claimed he was a civil service officer in annual civil service reports mandated by state law.

"My office will never tolerate criminal behavior from those entrusted to enforce the law," said Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker. "This plea ensures accountability and offers the citizens of Methuen an opportunity to have their faith in the system restored.

"Let me be clear: misuse of any position of authority erodes the public's trust and is unacceptable. My office will always seek to hold individuals accountable. The former chief of police pleading guilty to 17 charges along with a period of incarceration is a resolution that ensures accountability."

Fountain also previously pleaded guilty to forgery and fraud charges.

"This was a widespread criminal conspiracy and today represents an important step toward accountability and justice for the citizens of Methuen," Methuen Mayor D.J. Beauregard said.