Chief: "We Are Suspending the Investigation"

At a press conference Friday afternoon, Acting Chief of Police Patrick McMahon announced that the criminal investigation into the Board of Education was suspended, pending the results of the audit of their finances. He said all officers stationed at the Board of Education building were removed this morning, after consultation with the Mayor. McMahon said the decision to suspend the investigation was made earlier this afternoon.

McMahon said that the investigation was originally triggered by information provided to the Police Department from sources independent of the mayor. He said the allegations included misappropriation of grant money, misappropriation of money left at the end of the year, and issuing of false purchase orders.

McMahon said that Dr. Frechette had been very professional and responsive during the investigation, and said, "As of today, there has been no criminality found.... We are suspending the investigation." He suggested that the original allegations may have been a result of a misperception, "People see one thing and perceive it as something else .... doesn't rise to the level of a crime."