More Info Sought in Former Police Chief's Retirement Application

The Waltham Retirement Board plans to gather more information on former Waltham Police Chief Thomas LaCroix’s retirement benefits application before holding a hearing in August. 

The board, during a July 24 meeting, voted to schedule a hearing for LaCroix’s application for Aug. 28, according to Retirement Board Chairman William MacDonald. However, LaCroix has the option of opening that hearing to the public or having a closed-door hearing, according to the board’s attorney, Michael Sacco.

LaCroix filed for a retirement benefits package one day after he was sentenced to probation for attacking his wife at their Maynard home in June 2012. LaCroix resigned from his position on July 10, the day of his sentencing.

A Concord District Court jury found LaCroix guilty on two misdemeanor counts of attacking his wife on June 26.

Prior to the August hearing, the retirement board will gather information on the case, including court records, which will be used to consider the benefits package application, according to Sacco. The attorney said the facts of the case will determine whether the conviction will impact LaCroix’s eligibility for benefits, Sacco said.

In general, Sacco said, the Massachusetts Court of Appeals has ruled officers who have committed criminal offenses can, in some cases, keep their retirement benefits, Sacco said. The attorney said, however, he has never dealt a case like LaCroix’s in Waltham.

As for LaCroix’s benefits being made public, Sacco said the board would disclose the total monthly allowance LaCroix would receive, if any. However, he said the board would not disclose dollar figures for each type of benefit.

LaCroix, 50, who has 26 years of service with the Waltham Police Department, is eligible for up to 80 percent of the his three-year average salary, according to retirement regulations. 

LaCroix earned approximately $170,000 while on paid leave. The city placed LaCroix on paid leave immediately after his arrest. He was later placed on unpaid leave immediately after his conviction.