A Middlesex Grand Jury has delivered an indictment against Francis Goode, Jr., a 54-year-old Lieutenant with the Chelmsford Police, on charges of tampering with a record, witness intimidation, and a breach of public employee conduct standards. These allegations, brought to light by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, point to a case of law enforcement officers attempting to shield one of their own from the legal consequences of operating under the influence.
The incident at the center of this indictment dates back to March 16, 2024, when Michael Caprigno, 42, a Suffolk County Sheriff employee, nearly caused an accident with a patrol officer in Chelmsford Center. After being pulled over, Caprigno, who exhibited signs of intoxication, became hostile and warned officers arresting him would be a regrettable decision, this, according to an announcement from the DA's office. The investigation later revealed that Lieutenant Goode instructed a subordinate to downgrade the charges and keep quiet about the incident, bypassing the usual protocol for an arrestee under such circumstances.
This case exposes potential fractures in the accountability systems designed to maintain police integrity. Upon learning of the events, Chelmsford Police Chief promptly handed the case over to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. "Employment as a member of law enforcement does not include being allowed to escape responsibility for breaking the law as a professional courtesy," said District Attorney Ryan. "The offenses which underlie today's indictments stand in direct contradiction to the very oath which police officers are sworn to uphold," she underscored the value of equal accountability in her statement.
The arraignment dates for Goode and Caprigno have not been set as of now. Michael Caprigno, in addition to the operating under the influence charge, faces a public employee conduct standard violation charge. The prosecutor handling, this case is Mary F. P. O'Neill.
