SALEM, N.H. (AP) - The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office says its investigation of police department officials in Salem following the release of an audit has found no wrongdoing by the now-retired police chief.
The Eagle-Tribune reports that Paul Donovan was investigated on allegations of “officials oppression and/or sworn falsification,” but that the state couldn’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Donovan committed the offenses, the attorney general’s office wrote to Salem Town Manager Chris Dillon on Wednesday.
Dillon was notified on Nov. 30, 2018 that the state would review Salem police practices, in the wake of a highly critical audit of the department. One officer has been charged with reckless conduct involving a deadly weapon, and another faces tax fraud allegations. Both cases are pending.
Donovan, who retired at the end of 2018, was included in the review last year. His attorney said he is heartened by the investigation’s conclusion.
“He cooperated fully with the investigation and is appreciative for the thorough manner in which the State conducted its inquiry,” attorney James Rosenberg wrote in a statement.
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