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Thomas Calter called the allegations of harassment “baseless.”
Thomas J. Calter Town of Stoughton
Town Manager Thomas Calter broke his silence weeks after a feud between the Stoughton’s police chief and Calter became public and resulted in both officials being placed on paid administrative leave.
Calter released a statement Tuesday responding to accusations made by Police Chief Donna McNamara in a harassment complaint and subsequent lawsuit in late July alleging he pressured her into resigning, made discriminatory comments, and interfered with internal police investigations.
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Stoughton police chief and town manager placed on leave amid investigation after chief alleges discrimination, harrassment
“I look forward to having the opportunity to clear my name and reputation when the investigation is complete,” Calter said. “However, in light of recent statements made by Chief McNamara and her legal team, I believe it is important to correct several other inaccurate claims.”
One of the most serious allegations against Calter centers on an internal affairs investigation connected to the case of Sandra Birchmore, a former participant of a Stoughton Police Department youth program whose death was previously ruled a suicide. A former Stoughton Police Officer has since been charged with killing Birchmore.
In a lawsuit filed against Calter and the town in Norfolk Superior Court on July 27, McNamara alleges that Calter called a report connected to the investigation a “hit piece” and repeatedly directed her to destroy it.
“I want to be unequivocal on one point: I did not ask Chief McNamara to destroy, alter, suppress, or otherwise interfere with any investigation or investigative report concerning Sandra Birchmore,” Calter said. “I would never make such a request. I have supported, and continue to support, the investigative process and the pursuit of justice for Sandra and her family.”
McNamara’s lawsuit also accuses Calter of discriminating against her and attempting to force her out of her position as Stoughton’s first woman police chief.
According to the complaint, Calter summoned McNamara to his office on July 7 and told her an employee had accused her of “berating him” and causing workplace stress. Calter then demanded that she resign “with dignity” or face termination, per the lawsuit.
Calter refuted those claims, saying McNamara was “not given any ultimatum or demand to consider” her employment status on July 7.
Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara, who was placed on leave July 29. – Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff
McNamara also accused Calter of engaging in a “pattern of gossip and disparagement” and attempting to pressure her into resigning through repeated calls and text messages. Calter called the allegations of harassment “baseless.”
“My telephone and email records will demonstrate that I have had no communication with Chief McNamara since July 7,” Calter said. “The only subsequent communication was a text message intended solely to coordinate attorneys’ schedules, which was reviewed and approved by Town Labor Counsel.”
McNamara has further claimed that her replacement by a deputy stemmed from her filing the harassment complaint against Calter. However, in response, Calter said “that is not accurate.”
“The harassment complaint was filed 16 days after she was placed on leave. There was no communication between us during that period,” Calter added.
Calter also addressed Monday’s vote of no confidence in him by unions representing Stoughton firefighters and Public Works employees, saying he was “disappointed” by the results.
“While I respect the right of employees and their representatives to express their views, I stand firmly by the work I have done and the progress we have made during my four years serving the Town of Stoughton,” Calter said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and remain confident in the record of my tenure as Town Manager.”
Calter and the town have not yet filed a response to McNamara’s lawsuit in Norfolk Superior Court, court records show.
“My focus remains on allowing the investigative process to run its course, protecting the integrity of that process, and ensuring that the truth is ultimately known,” Calter said. “I remain confident that a complete and impartial investigation will establish the facts and resolve these allegations.”
McNamara’s legal team at Barrault and Associates, LLC said the “evidence directly contradicts Mr. Calter’s recent statements,” in a statement to Boston.com Wednesday.
“We believe that the evidence and history are on Chief McNamara’s side,” the team continued. “The people of Stoughton have made their voices heard, and barely a day goes by that we do not hear of another act of abuse by Mr. Calter. The way he chooses to address those he feels are subordinate to him is painfully transparent.”
This story has been updated to include a statement from McNamara’s attorneys.
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