BROOKLINE, MASS. (WHDH) – Brookline’s police chief has been placed on paid leave, according to a city official, as an outside firm investigates allegations that he violated the city’s discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation policy.
In a statement, City Manager Mel Kleckner said Chief Ashley Gonzalez was placed on paid administrative leave Saturday afternoon, after the city was notified last week of “multiple allegations that Chief Gonzalez violated the Municipal policy against discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation.”
Kleckner said city staff quickly began a review of the allegations after receiving them, before retaining Quincy firm Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting to conduct a review.
“The outside investigation is being conducted by company director, former Secretary of Public Safety and Worcester County First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Bennett, and former Massachusetts State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin Kleckner said in his statement. “Chief Gonzalez will remain on paid leave pending the outcome of this review.”
No other details about the allegations were released, although Kleckner reiterated the city’s zero-tolerance policy against “discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation committed by or against its employees.”
“We are committed to supporting the investigation, which will determine the facts, and to respond accordingly,” he said.
Kleckner originally tapped Gonzalez as Brookline’s next police chief earlier this year. Gonzalez previously served in Norwalk, Conn., where he began in 1988 as Sec a previous press release. He later led the Austin Independent School District Police Department in 2018 before heading to Brookline.
In the city of Brookline’s Annual report, the Town Manager’s section detailed how a unanimous March vote by the town’s Select Board confirmed Gonzalez. He officially started the job on June 1, taking on the role two years after former boss Andrew Lipson stepped down.
This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS live and online for the latest details.
(Copyright (c) 2022 Sunbeam Television. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Join our newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox
