In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. Stephen Desfosses died after being hospitalized in the ICU for weeks. The agency posted the video on Facebook on . Joshua Archer, 31, of Norton, is charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. Sgt. Sams also discusses political activity in Barberton and Norton that he believes is unethical. Her injuries are not believed to be life threatening. NBC Universal, Inc. A veteran Norton police officer died after a battle with coronvairus. Sams brought up a recent 22-0 vote of no confidence against Dalessandro, the Norton report states. A hidden camera, a private eye and 2 suspended police officers: What happened in Norton? Prosecutors asked for a warrant to bring him to court and the judge agreed. Sams and Karnuth are both found in violation of Norton rules and regulations and cleared of other violations in the report. He was most recently a reporter at The Lowell Sun. "The only basis for Jason's discipline were his comments recorded on video where he says to (the investigator): 'Hey, did you hear what happened to our chief?' The Norton report, conducted by the Cleveland law firm of Stefanik Iosue & Associates to examine if city or police department rules were violated, was completed almost three months after the sheriffs investigation. "It was. Wise County and Norton Commonwealth's Attorney Brett Hall says 2023 will be a busy courtroom year for he and his staff, with five high-profile murder and attempted murder cases set for trial. Sams went on to tell the private investigator about a 22-0 no-confidence vote on the chief that Norton officers had taken. Oliver said Tuesday that he hasnt seen the Norton report but is familiar with the Sheriffs Office investigation and its findings. He is the fourth Massachusetts police officer to die from COVID-19. Jeffrey's is located in Norton, but the employee lived in Barberton. On Aug. 11, the two officers declined to be interviewed in the Sheriffs Office investigation without an attorney. Det. NORTON, Mass. The councilman said he believes the Oliver investigation arose from individuals opposed to changesin Barberton. (WPRI) A Norton patrol officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested over the weekend. (WHDH) - A Norton police officer was arrested over the weekend on a charge of operating under the influence and placed on leave after officials say he fled the scene of a crash that . Two investigations involving police officers, with council members and police chiefs in supporting roles. In early 2020, the Norton Police Department's (NPD) on-premises, legacy system, failed them for the last time. Jason Sams, a 22-year veteran of the police force, was suspended for two weeks in February, following an investigator's report issued Jan. 4. The detective then replies that the chief would be facing trouble following the vote. Chaffin said involvement by Dalessandro in the investigation that led to Sams' suspension tainted the process. Oliver had been retained by members of the Barberton City Council in March 2021 to investigate the residential status of Jaber, the Norton report states. Desfosses tried to recover at home for two weeks before going to a . It is with great sadness that Chief Brian Clark and the members of the Norton Police Department announce the passing of Detective Sergeant Stephen Desfosses after a courageous battle with Covid 19, the department wrote on social media Wednesday. Norton, OH44203 4060 Columbia Woods Drive Norton OH 44203 Directions Emergency Phone: : 911 SWSCOM / Dispatch Phone: 330-825-2491 Hours 24 hours a day Business Hours 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Directory About the Police Department Alarm System Permit Application Awards Driving Under the Influence Find Traffic Reports Find Incident Reports / CBS Boston. He did state to police that he was drinking earlier," a prosecutor told an Attleboro District Court judge midday on Monday. The footage, released on March 3, shows . NORTON Norton City Council reviewed tentative contracts with full- and part-time police officers June 27. Fowler did not immediately respond to a request for comment. based on [the Jeffreys employees] allegations of a suspicious vehicle in Barberton, the Norton report states. Lieutenant Jonathan Goodwin commands the Patrol Division and may be contacted at (508) 285 -3309 or send email. A GoFundMe page for his family has raised more than $130,000. Rick is a Massachusetts native and graduated from Boston University. An arbitrator will determine [the outcome].. A suspicious vehicle prowling the streets that might never have been there at all. Bans Unaccompanied Kids From Dining There After Unacceptable' Visits. Archer was set to be arraigned at the Attleboro District Court Monday but he did not appear, and his attorney said he entered a treatment program over the weekend and was not trying to run from anything. Desk Officer 508-285-3312 Administrative Offices 508-285-3304. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW. At. Their investigation determined that the Durango was turning right onto Taunton Avenue from West Main Street when it sideswiped the Nissan while it was stopped at a traffic light on Taunton Avenue. Police were able to locate the Dodge, driven by Archer, on Taunton Avenue a short time later. He was arraigned later on Monday. Det. Joshua Archer, 31, was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury. According to a defense attorney, Archer had checked himself into a treatment faculty. Bans Unaccompanied Kids From Dining There After Unacceptable' Visits. Oliver confirmed on Tuesday he did not suggest Sams was trying to bribe him. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. Officers later located the Durango on Taunton Avenue, and Archer was taken into custody. The Norton investigation follows a Summit County Sheriffs Officereport that reviewed theactionstaken by the officers in May and July of last year. The chief, she said, detailed what policies he believed Sams had violated in a memo that the investigator received. The mission of the Norton Police Department is to protect and serve the residents and business community of Norton by delivering the highest quality police service with professionalism and integrity. Sams indicated that somebody through Jaber asked Sams to figure out what Oliver was investigating but never identified who made this request, the Norton report states. "The officer who arrived could detect a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from the passenger side of this Dodge Durango. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj. We strive to maintain and enhance the qualities of life by effective Community Policing while at the same time enforcing the laws fairly and impartially. Since she and their kids couldn't see him, they recorded messages to play on repeat in his room in the intensive care unit. The two-week suspensions became effective Feb. 5, although they are being appealed by officers Jason Sams and Jon Karnuth. Brian M. Clark . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. He said he didnt accuse officer Sams of attempting to bribe him, as the Sheriffs Office report states at one point. "It is with great sadness that Chief Brian Clark and the members of the Norton Police Department announce the passing of Detective Sergeant Stephen Desfosses after a courageous battle with Covid 19. More information is available on the Orange County Sheriffs Department website. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Police line up outside St. Mary's Church in Norton for Sgt. Desfosses served the community for over 30 years. Jason Sams, a 22-year veteran of the. Desfosses served Norton for 30 years, was the honor guard commander and trained officers for the department. Beginning in early 2020, thousands of . Stephen Desfosses' death was announced by the Norton Police Department . As the chief pulled up to the parking lot, a man began firing into the. He has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Norton police said. Responding officers were told by the driver of a Nissan Maxima that they were involved in a crash with a Dodge Durango, but the Durango drove off after speaking with her. [The Jeffreys employees] story about the suspicious black vehicle is more than likely a complete fabrication as Oliver was never on [the employee's] street and does not own a black vehicle, the Norton report states. Friction between Sams and Dalessandro has been ongoing for several years, and culminated in the February 2021 no-confidence action. [Norton Police Chief John] Dalessandro verified that Karnuth ran Olivers license at 1628 hrs. Police line up outside St. Mary's Church in Norton for Sgt. January 19, 2021 / 5:37 PM The shooting happened on Abbey Court. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. We strive to maintain and enhance the qualities of life by effective Community Policing while at the same time enforcing the laws fairly and impartially. It was not clear if he had an attorney. Norton Police officer dies after courageous, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Many ambulances roll for excessive drinking at UMass Amhersts Blarney Blowout, Norton Police officer dies after courageous battle with coronavirus, Wuhan COVID-19 lab leak theory dismissed, again, by China, Long COVID study: Healthy lifestyle could lower risk for long COVID, Boston top Undie Run city in fundraiser to fight tumors in kids, Bostons COVID data continues to show encouraging signs, Massachusetts virus cases drop 13%, Operators of chain of opioid addiction centers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts face federal fraud charges, Hot Property: Delicious Sandwich opportunity, 'Significant burst' of heavy snow possible for areas of Massachusetts, up to 12 inches potential in spots, Alex Murdaugh killed wife, son to buy time, prosecutor says, Boston employee payroll data shows more big-money employees than ever. [The Jeffreys employee] advised he had obtained the vehicle registration from his wife and provided the license plate to Officer Karnuth., A LEADS audit of the Norton Police Department requested by the Sheriffs Office investigator found no criminal usage. About $80,000 had been raised to help the family by Tuesday night, and people who Stephen DesFosses has helped shared warm memories. Rick Sobey is a multimedia, general assignment reporter -- covering breaking news, politics and more across the region. That was never suggested [to] anybody, he said. On July 2, the two men met in New Franklin. One of the primary responsibilities of the Patrol Division is conducting high-visibility patrol, serving as a deterrent to criminal activity and remaining accessible to members of the community. The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement. MissionThe mission of the Norton Police Department is to protect and serve the residents and business community of Norton by delivering the highest quality police service with professionalism and integrity. former Brimfield Police Chief David Oliver, Barberton councilman confronts man he says was investigating him, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. NORTON, Mass. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Dalessandro and the Norton law director met with the Sheriffs Office investigator and requested that Sams not be shown the video. The department asked the public to remember Desfosses and thanked the community for the support already shown to his family and fellow officers. Sgt. I feel good when I go to sleep I have nothing to hide.. What can I do about the annoying or harassing phone calls I have been receiving? The date and timing are important because of concerns expressed in both reports that Jaber may have asked for the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) check. Fax: . Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Sgt. During the meeting, Sams discussedwork opportunities for Oliver. "I look forward to bringing my . I am an open book if they want to speak with me. See map: Google Maps. Stephen Desfosses died after being hospitalized. Det. 1 Catholic Memorial; roundup/list of scores, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking. NORTON, Mass. NORTON, Va. - A Norton Police Chief is in the hospital after a shooting between him and a pedestrian while on a call Friday afternoon. Norton Police Department. An officer with the Norton Shores (MI) Police Department is trying to keep connected with the kids in his jurisdiction despite the need for social distancing. To revive them, NPD made the decision to go live on AWS Partner SOMA Global's public safety platformsix months ahead of the scheduled cutover date. He said the officers did not attend a disciplinary conference to rebut charges in the Norton report, leading to a decision based on the reports findings. The two knew each other, but Oliver had not heard from Sams in several years. Jason Sams, a 22-year veteran of the. Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. That confrontation became a focal point of both the Sheriffs Office investigation and the Norton report, which determined that Jaber took a photo of Oliver and his vehicle, including thelicense plate. Boston 25 News facebook feed(Opens a new window), Boston 25 News twitter feed(Opens a new window), Boston 25 News youtube feed(Opens a new window), School administrators: Create a closings account, Town-by-town totals: These Mass. The driver of the Nissan was taken to Morton Hospital in Taunton. Police Officer Job Description The City of Norton Shores is an Equal Opportunity Employer The Norton Shores Police Department is an internationally accredited law enforcement agencyseeking dedicated and ambitious men and women who desire a worthwhile career in law enforcement. When necessary, citations and/or warnings for violations are issued. But Oliver later denied telling the investigator he thought the officer was attempting to bribe him. Thirty-one-year-old Joshua. After Customers Paid Large Deposits for Home Projects, Contractor Files for Bankruptcy, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of New Hampshire: An NBC10 Boston Original, Chick-fil-A in Pa. In the decision, arbitrator Robert M. Lustig writes that Sams' speech was protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution. NORTON, Va. (WJHL) - No officers will be charged in the May 7 shooting that left Norton Police Chief James Lane and suspect James Buckland wounded and hospitalized, according to Commonwealth& "(Dalessandro) should in no way way be involved in the investigation into whether those comments violated policy," she said. The detective sergeant is survived by his wife and four children. Both men will appeal their suspensions, Hold said in an interview Monday. While not reporting, he enjoys long-distance running. "It's amazing how fast this has turned our lives upside down.". Despite the early deployment, the SOMA platform exceeded expectations, making sure critical emergency . I have not been talked to or called , he said. Archer has been a member of the Norton Police Department for eight years and has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. He had been hospitalized at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston with coronavirus since the week before Christmas. Thirty-one-year-old Joshua Archer is facing several charges. Stephen Desfosses served the Norton Police Department for more than 30 years before he died on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Howie Carr: What's so urgent in Holbrook, Mr. Speaker? The shooter is considered armed and . A Norton Police officer was arrested over the weekend for operating under the influence and has been placed on leave after he allegedly fled the scene of a motor vehicle accident that injured a woman. Investigators believe Archer was taking a right on Taunton Avenue from West Main Street when he sideswiped the Nissan which was stopped at the traffic light on Taunton Avenue. In an Oct. 17 email, Chaffin said she advised the officer not to make a statement, fearing it could be used against him. 82 East Main St. Norton, MA 02766-2130. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. When they arrived, they were informed that a black Dodge Durango that had been involved in the crash had left the scene. While asking about the investigation, Sams discussedhis relationship with the councilman, suggesting at different times he is close to Jaber and, at other times, distancing himself. "This happened so quickly, so unexpectedly," his wife, Jessica Desfosses, told NBC10 Boston Tuesday. HOLLAND, MI - Holland police are on the scene of a fatal shooting at an apartment complex off East 16th Street. Woman Pulled From Icy Canal Water by Buffalo Police Officers Over 1,000-Year-Old Hebrew Bible Expected to Sell for $30 Million at Auction Drivers Pull Over to Grab Beer from Overturned Truck Joshua Archer, 31, was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle . He is survived by his wife and four children. The driver of the Nissan was sent to Morton Hospital by the Norton Fire Department for non-life-threatening injuries. This is a developing story. Members of his family were by his side when he peacefully passed," the statement said. Stephen Desfosses, a father of four and a veteran officer with the Norton Police Department, has been hospitalized at Beth 508-285-3301 . Sergeant Desfosses had served with the Norton Police Department for 30 years. According to [the Sheriffs Office] report, Oliver believed that Sams was attempting to bribe him with contracts for investigative services with Acme (where Sams also works as a security official) in exchange for information on the Jaber investigation, the Norton report states. Apply for A Police Officer jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. 'You're lying': Barberton councilman confronts man he says was investigating him. They took everyone at their word at what they were saying and walked away from it, he said. We are going to file a grievance under the collective bargaining agreement, he said. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Norton officer wins grievance against city in First Amendment ruling.