Weeks after a public feud between two Stoughton town leaders was made public, town manager Thomas Calter is speaking out for the first time, denying the police chief's claims that he tried to hamper the investigation into Sandra Birchmore's death.
"I want to be unequivocal on one point: I did not ask Chief McNamara to destroy, alter, suppress, or otherwise interfere with any investigation or investigative report concerning Sandra Birchmore," Calter said in a statement provided to Boston 25. "I would never make such a request. I have supported, and continue to support, the investigative process and the pursuit of justice for Sandra and her family."
Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara claims that she was forced off the job after filing a harassment complaint against the town. Recently, she filed a lawsuit, alleging breach of contract, discrimination, and a coordinated effort to remove her from her position.
As part of the lawsuit, McNamara alleges that Calter has been engaging in a "pattern of disparagement" against the police chief, had called and texted McNamara almost every day over a period of two weeks and used disparaging, misogynistic words regarding the town's first female police chief.
According to McNamara's attorney, Leah Barrault, the lawsuit also claims that on July 7, a senior member of the police department allegedly reported that McNamara had spoken harshly to him and caused workplace stress. McNamara's attorneys claim no written complaint was provided to her or her legal counsel and no fact-finding investigation was conducted before Calter allegedly demanded that she resign "with dignity" or face immediate termination.
Calter has denied the claims that McNamara was given an ultimatum and that he allegedly harassed her by telephone, saying, "My telephone and email records will demonstrate that I have had no communication with Chief McNamara since July 7. The only subsequent communication was a text message intended solely to coordinate attorneys' schedules, which was reviewed and approved by Town Labor Counsel.
Calter and McNamara have both been placed on paid leave.
Meanwhile during Tuesday night's Select Board meeting, the board members announced they hired Edward Davis Company to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations against Town Manager Tom Calter and Police Chief Donna McNamara. According to the statement from the board, the firm said it will take a minimum of sixty days to complete the investigation. Once it's concluded, the firm will provide the board will a full summary of its findings, as well as conclude whether the allegations are substantiated, unsubstantiated, unfounded, or inconclusive.
The board also officially voted to appoint Mark Tisdale as the acting Town Manager and Deputy Chief James O'Connor as acting Police Chief.
During public comment, community members did not let up in speaking their minds about the situation.
"It's a sad state of affairs in this town. It really is," one community member said.
"We rely on you people to let us know what is true and what is not," another community member said.
"I voted for all of you because I believed what you wanted was best for Stoughton. And sadly, my friends, this is not what's best for Stoughton," another town resident said.
The Stoughton Police Department has faced significant public scrutiny in recent years following allegations against former officer Matthew Farwell in the high-profile Sandra Birchmore case.
Federal prosecutors allege Farwell murdered Birchmore, a pregnant woman, in 2021 and staged her death to appear as a suicide. Investigators have also alleged that Farwell began a sexual relationship with Birchmore while she was underage.
McNamara ordered an internal affairs investigation into the case in 2022 as questions mounted over the department's handling of officers connected to Birchmore.
Birchmore was pregnant at the time of her death. However, DNA testing later determined that Farwell was not the father of her unborn child.
Farwell has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His federal murder trial is currently scheduled to begin in October.
Calter's full statement can be read below:
I want to begin by expressing my deepest condolences to Sandra Birchmore's family. I have always been committed to supporting a full, thorough, and transparent investigation into Sandra's death, and I remain committed to ensuring that the facts are fully brought to light.
I want to be unequivocal on one point: I did not ask Chief McNamara to destroy, alter, suppress, or otherwise interfere with any investigation or investigative report concerning Sandra Birchmore. I would never make such a request. I have supported, and continue to support, the investigative process and the pursuit of justice for Sandra and her family.
Because the Town of Stoughton's investigation remains ongoing, there are limits to what I can appropriately discuss at this time. I have respected that process and maintained my silence at the Town's request. I look forward to having the opportunity to clear my name and reputation when the investigation is complete.
However, in light of recent statements made by Chief McNamara and her legal team, I believe it is important to correct several other inaccurate claims:
When Chief McNamara was placed on administrative leave on July 7, she was not given any ultimatum or demand to consider.
The allegations of harassment are baseless. My telephone and email records will demonstrate that I have had no communication with Chief McNamara since July 7. The only subsequent communication was a text message intended solely to coordinate attorneys' schedules, which was reviewed and approved by Town Labor Counsel.
Chief McNamara and her attorney have repeatedly stated that she was placed on leave because she filed a harassment complaint against me. That is not accurate. The harassment complaint was filed 16 days after she was placed on leave. There was no communication between us during that period.
I am also disappointed by the recent vote of no confidence by members of the Fire and DPW unions. While I respect the right of employees and their representatives to express their views, I stand firmly by the work I have done and the progress we have made during my four years serving the Town of Stoughton. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and remain confident in the record of my tenure as Town Manager.
I am fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and have followed the Town's direction throughout this process. While I am on paid administrative leave, I am not able to conduct business in my capacity as Town Manager, which is why I did not participate in Town meetings last month.
My focus remains on allowing the investigative process to run its course, protecting the integrity of that process, and ensuring that the truth is ultimately known. I remain confident that a complete and impartial investigation will establish the facts and resolve these allegations.
Stoughton Town Manager Thomas Calter
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