Waltham Mayor Wants Money For Police Chief Investigation

Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy has officially requested $20,000 to hire an independent counsel to perform a Waltham Police Department internal affairs investigation of Police Chief Thomas LaCroix, according to the Boston Globe.

LaCroix remains on paid leave as he faces serious charges for allegedly assaulting his wife and her friend last year. He is currently under house arrest as his Feb. 13 trial date approaches.

McCarthy told the Globe the city needs to hire the independent counsel so it can avoid any conflicts of interest with the Waltham Police Department. The money would come out of the city’s free cash account, City Clerk Russ Malone told the Globe. 

The Waltham City Council, which would have to approve the request, has referred the request to the city's Finance Committee.

Acting Chief Keith MacPherson is running the department in LaCroix's absence.