Stoughton police trying to move past corruption trials

Former Stoughton police sergeant David Cohen is appealing a conviction on charges of abusing police powers. (Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff/File 2007)

STOUGHTON - The town has appointed a new police administration to help move the department beyond past controversies. But two criminal cases involving officers remain stalled in the courts, dampening efforts to establish a clean slate.

"We can only control what we can, and hopefully it will be resolved," said Steve Anastos, a selectman who was elected in the fall on a promise to help the town move past negative publicity surrounding the Police Department. Recent years have been marred by investigations of alleged corruption of officers.

"I think we're working through these issues, so I'm very encouraged," said Anastos.

One of the cases involves Police Chief Manuel Cachopa, who has been on paid administrative leave since he was indicted in 2005 on charges he tried to cover up an investigation into one of his officers. Cachopa's trial continues to be delayed, though a start date has been set for August.

Another member of the department, former sergeant David Cohen, was convicted of charges of abusing his police powers, and was sentenced to three years in jail. But the disposition of the case has done little to settle the matter.

Cohen has appealed and recently brought his case to the Supreme Judicial Court in an unsuccessful attempt to be released from jail while the appeal is pending. The single justice on the state's highest court to receive the motion rejected the request without a hearing earlier this month, but Cohen has petitioned for a review by the full bench.

The two cases serve as reminders of the controversy that enveloped the Police Department five years ago, when the investigation began and six officers were suspended.

Recent changes in staffing offer a fresh start. Executive Officer Thomas Murphy was sworn in last week as interim chief, replacing former acting chief Christopher Ciampa. Ciampa retired after serving three years following Cachopa's indictment.

The appointment of Ciampa - a supporter of Cohen and Cachopa before they were indicted - was opposed by some critics who wanted more reform in the department leadership. (Some of that criticism was later blunted by positive reviews Ciampa got for fairness during his tenure.)

His successor, Murphy, arrives with no similar negative baggage.

Selectmen considered hiring an outsider to lead the department until Cachopa's case is resolved; Murphy was chosen to help bring stability to the department, said Anastos.

Also, Murphy has named Lieutenant Robert Devine as executive officer. The appointment of Devine is seen as significant because he was one of the officers who cooperated with prosecutors during the original probe. He has been seen as an outsider in a department that largely rallied around Cohen before he went to jail.

The appointment, Anastos said, was a sign of new unity in the department.

Mark Snyder, a local TV personality who writes a newspaper column on town affairs and maintains a Stoughton website, said that the town will not be able to move forward until the cases are resolved, but that in the meantime the appointments of Murphy and Devine were promising.

"I thought they made a good choice considering the situation that's in the court system right now," Snyder said. "Chris Ciampa, and now Tom Murphy, continue to move the department forward."

Anastos said he doesn't believe Cachopa will return to the chief's post. Even if Cachopa is acquitted, it may well not be "feasible, practical" for him to return after four years, he said.

At that point, the town should conduct a comprehensive search for a new chief, including looking at outsiders, Anastos said - adding that Murphy and Devine should be part of that process.

Said Anastos: "I think everyone wants to do right by the town."

Milton Valencia can be reached at valencia@globe.com.