METHUEN — The city plans to appeal a state order to reinstate fired Methuen police Capt. Gregory Gallant, if that order is finalized, according to Mayor Neil Perry.
December 23, 2020
Embattled Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon was placed on administrative leave Wednesday after the state inspector general released a scathing report concluding that the chief and other officials engaged in potential misconduct by drafting contracts that would pay him and senior officers exorbitant salaries.
Mayor Neil Perry also placed on paid leave a Solomon ally, Capain Greg Gallant, head of the 19-member Methuen Police Superior Officers Association.
“After speaking with the office of the inspector general this morning, reviewing the report issued today . . . and consulting with legal counsel, I am placing two individuals at the Methuen Police Department on paid administrative leave,” said Perry in a statement. “This is a personnel matter, and as such will be handled with appropriate due diligence, confidentiality, and professionalism. Actions taken today are not considered disciplinary at this time.”