News

Second-in-command of Mass. State Police retires amid lawsuits

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Boston 25 News has confirmed that the deputy superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police has retired amid lawsuits regarding changes made to police reports.

Lt. Col. Francis Hughes' retirement was announced days after the retirement of Col. Richard McKeon was announced.

Troopers Ali Rei and Ryan Sceviour both allege they were forced to make changes to reports after the October DUI arrest of Allie Bibaud, the daughter of a Dudley District Court Judge.

Originally state police said the changes were in line with protocol because the initial reports contained unnecessary, graphic comments that were not relevant to the arrest.

“The courage shown, by the troopers are amazing. They both said we aren’t going to obey these orders. We are going to stand up for what’s right,” attorney Lenny Kesten, who is representing both troopers, said Monday.

Boston 25 News learned on Tuesday that the state police union triggered an internal investigation on Monday.

“All of a sudden, everybody put in their retirement papers,’ State Police Union President Dana Pullman said. “I can only speculate if the internal investigation affairs triggers some things in our internal policy.”

State Police Director of Media Relations Dave Procopio told Boston 25 News it is common for multiple members of a state police administration to retire together.

Traditionally, when a Colonel/Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police leaves his or her position, the Deputy Superintendent resigns as well to allow a new Colonel to select a second-in-command of his or her own choosing. As such, Deputy Superintendent Francis Hughes today retired from the State Police after a 31-year career. Deputy Superintendent Hughes served honorably in numerous postings, including nearly 20 years in the Gang Unit, an important period at the State Police Academy, and several years as a deputy commander in the Division of Investigative Services. He is a past recipient of the Trooper George L. Hanna  Medal of Honor for Bravery and the Trooper of the Year Award. The department has deep gratitude for his years of dedicated service.

PREVIOUS: