Stoughton’s police leadership has shifted again, with Deputy Police Chief James O’Connor stepping in as acting chief after Chief Donna M. McNamara quietly stepped away from her duties on Wednesday. O’Connor will run the department’s day-to-day operations while town officials figure out their next move, and for now they are not saying how long that might take. The change lands squarely in the middle of ongoing scrutiny tied to a high-profile federal case involving a former Stoughton officer.
Town Manager Names Acting Chief
Town Manager Thomas Calter confirmed to Boston 25 News that O’Connor will serve as acting police chief. The announcement arrived with no public explanation for the switch at the top.
When pressed on why Chief McNamara has stepped away or how long O’Connor will remain in charge, the town offered the same tight-lipped response to Boston 25 News, saying only that “the Town and its officials do not publicly discuss or disclose information in connection with personnel matters.” Officials have not given any timetable for choosing a permanent chief.
Who Is James O’Connor?
O’Connor has spent his entire career with the Stoughton Police Department and was promoted to deputy chief in November 2024, according to a Stoughton Police Department news post. In that role, he has overseen the Detective Bureau and handled duties as the department’s accreditation manager. Town officials have pointed to that mix of investigative and administrative experience as a key reason he was tapped for the interim role.
Background: Department Under Scrutiny
The leadership shakeup follows federal charges brought against former Stoughton officer Matthew Farwell in connection with the 2021 death of Sandra Birchmore, who was pregnant at the time, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office press release. Prosecutors allege Farwell strangled Birchmore and staged the scene to look like a suicide. The case has drawn intense attention across the region, including detailed coverage in The Boston Globe.
Legal Status
Farwell has pleaded not guilty and remains behind bars as his case moves through federal court. A judge ordered him held in custody ahead of trial, noting that prosecutors say the evidence against him is strong, CBS Boston reported.
What Comes Next
Residents and advocates who have followed the Birchmore case are watching closely to see whether the leadership change will bring more transparency or spark any independent review of the department. Coverage that chronicled local rallies and sustained public pressure has underscored public demands for answers about department culture and oversight.
For now, town officials are keeping their options open. They have not said when they expect to name a permanent chief or whether they plan to conduct a national search. This story will be updated as officials release more information.
