Following allegations regarding the behavior of a former Woburn Police Department officer, both online and in his duties, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan recently released the findings of a third-party investigation into John Donnelly. The official report, issued yesterday, states that the investigation began after allegations were raised in October 2022, leading to Donnelly being placed on administrative leave.
The DA's office turned to the law firm of WilmerHale to lead an independent and thorough examination, meticulously reviewing 264 incident reports spanning from March 18, 2015 to April 21, 2023, these reports charted the full scope of Donnelly's engagements in his policing duties. The review process included not only a summary of each record but also a calibrated assessment to determine any discernable patterns of discriminatory policing within Donnelly's conduct.
WilmerHale's conclusive statement, "Based on our review, Donnelly’s police conduct appears to have been reasonable and in accordance with POST Commission practices and the law," clears the former officer of misconduct in his documented interactions, according to the DA's office. Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, WilmerHale’s assessment was important in addressing the concerns surrounding Donnelly's time as an officer. The evaluation of his actions through a framework of equity and legality provides clarity both regarding his conduct and for the community that relied on his adherence to procedure.
Regardless of the findings, John Donnelly has been stripped of his badge and is no longer certified to serve as a law enforcement officer within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His name has been added to the National Decertification Index. This information has been shared with relevant parties, including the Committee for Public Counsel Services and defense counsel involved in Middlesex cases where Donnelly was involved, who have been informed of the original allegations.
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