Case Against Stoughton HR Director Continued Without Finding

STOUGHTON, MA — It was determined during a jury trial that there was enough evidence against the Stoughton human resources director to find him guilty of obstruction a liquor investigation, but he was not convicted.

Thursday, the charge against James “Jamie” Kelley was continued without a finding, according to documents obtained at Stoughton District Court. He was ordered to pay a $50 fine and there will be no further action if there are no new charges before Dec. 28.

The charge against Kelley stems from an investigation related to an incident last year at Cedar Hills Golf Course. According to court documents, a party at the golf club on June 27 that went into the early hours of the next morning attracted an estimated 164 people, well over the 100-person capacity and the 50-60 people expected. Following a police stop involving a 16-year-old driver without a license who said he came from the event, a police investigation started.

Sgt. Paul Williams wrote in a police report that Kelley told police officers at Cedar Hills to leave the golf course during an investigation. Kelley, who was serving as town manager while Michael Hartman was on vacation, continued to impede the investigation by making copies of requested golf club surveillance footage, ignoring requests for copies of the Cedar Hills permits and licenses, and telling town employees to not talk to investigators, the report said.

The charge will remain on his record, but no guilt will be noted.

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