Solomon, Manzi Trade Barbs - The Valley Patriot - February '08,

On Eve of police chief’s hearing, Solomon accuses Manzi of corruption, Manzi fires back

With the hearing scheduled for tomorrow afternoon to determine the fate of Methuen Police Chief Joe Solomon, supporters of Solomon have released a statement to the Valley Patriot claiming that Chief Solomon is a “whistle-blower” and that Manzi has been under investigation for corruption.

The Solomon press release (read full release here) claims: “The disciplinary hearing scheduled for Tuesday February 19, 2008 is nothing more than a ‘show hearing’ by Manzi that is totally devoid of any due process considerations," said Andy Gambaccini, the attorney representing Chief Joseph Solomon.

“Manzi’s actions are retaliatory in nature, animated by anger and a desire for vengeance because the Chief is a whistleblower,” Gambaccini said.

“On September 16, 2007, Chief Solomon received a request for help from a Methuen resident who made allegations of corruption against Mayor Manzi. Chief Solomon reported these allegations to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office on Saturday September 22, 2007, and followed up through written communication and a meeting on Monday September 24, 2007. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office then advised Chief Solomon that the investigation was being referred to the United States Attorney’s Office.

On Tuesday September 25, 2007 Chief Solomon met with two FBI Agents and provided them with the details as conveyed to him by the Methuen resident. Chief Solomon is still actively assisting the FBI in this investigation.

Present at both the September 24 and September 25 meetings was Acting Chief Kathi Lavigne who at the time was a Captain and the commanding officer of the Methuen Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau. At some point during this initial time period, the existence of the investigation was leaked, and this is when Mayor Manzi abruptly spoke out against Chief Solomon (Tuesday September 25, 2007) and subsequently placed the Chief on paid administrative leave (Friday September 28, 2007).”

Chief Solomon is invoking his protections under both the federal and Massachusetts whistleblower laws for the unjust and malicious retaliatory action that has already been taken against him and that is about to be taken against him during Manzi’s “show hearing”.

“These are despicable actions of a desperate man,” Methuen Mayor Bill Manzi told the Valley Patriot Monday Evening in response to Solomon’s press release.

“At no time was I ever made aware of any local, state or federal law enforcement agency investigating me. I have never been contacted by any local, state or federal agency saying they had a concern about any corruption.”

Manzi said that he was “surprised” Solomon was making these allegations on the night before his hearing, saying he wanted to know why Solomon has denied the public the right to attend the hearing.

“Given that he has said in the past that he wants the public to see all the evidence against him, and by the way, so do I, it is really odd that he has made the decision

Look, If I had my way this whole thing would be open to the press and the public,” Manzi continued. “Especially now that he has made these ridiculous allegations against me. But it’s not, and the reason its not is because Joe Solomon has requested that it be closed. From my perspective, I am more than willing to show the public the evidence we have compiled during his leave and the cause we have for concern. On the other hand, he is apparently not willing to offer that to the public. Nor is he willing to let the public see and hear any evidence he supposedly has that can substantiate corruption allegations against me as he said in his press release.”

Solomon’s Press release also took aim at the way Manzi handled questions surrounding the Weed and Seed Federal Police Grant:

The press release stated: “Mayor William Manzi said this time he will fight the order and “will not seek disciplinary action against the chief ". There have been no allegations to me that there have been any improprieties or violations of grant procedures other than paperwork at this point," Manzi said. "It's my responsibility as mayor not to give the money back or spend money without fully, vigorously using all administrative remedies. The taxpayers ought not to be penalized for alleged administrative deficiencies."

“It is curious that Mayor Manzi is on the record as saying that he would not seek disciplinary action against the Chief (preceding quote from an article written by Eagle-Tribune reporter Stephanie Chelf). Then, after finding out that the Chief did his job, as required under his oath of office and reported a corruption allegation, the Mayor abruptly changed his position,” the press release concluded.

Tuesday’s hearing will be held at Methuen city hall where Solomon will face hearing officer Michael Marks. Manzi said it is unlikely that he will attend the hearing and will take the recommendation of Mr. Marks under advisement.