Trooper in forum probe suspended without pay
The state trooper who fired a rifle during last weekend’s Interstate 93 melee has been suspended without pay as officials determine whether or not he wrote a string of offensive online posts in recent years.
Trooper Matthew Sheehan is the focus of an Internal Affairs probe, where officials say they are determining whether Sheehan authored posts under the screen name “Big Irish” on an online forum, which disparaged minority communities and discussed the use of force on the job.
Sheehan had been on paid leave for a separate investigation for firing his rifle and possibly striking an ATV rider last Saturday before yesterday’s decision. He earned more than $237,000 last year, state payroll records show.
David Procopio, a state police spokesman, said the department “will take further action … if warranted” once the probe wraps.
“The tone and content of the posts in question are offensive and are contrary to the standards of conduct expected by the state police of its members,” Procopio said.
The posts, first reported by The Boston Globe, had drawn a quick rebuke from officials, including Gov. Charlie Baker, who said Thursday that they constituted a fireable offense.
“They are clearly a violation of the code of conduct,” Baker told reporters, adding that if Sheehan is behind them, he “should be fired.”
Sheehan’s rifle fired as police were dealing with 25 to 30 all-terrain vehicles and dirt bike riders they said were menacing drivers on I-93 last Saturday. The bullet might have struck the foot of Aderito Monteiro, who police say drove his ATV at police. He was charged with numerous driving violations.
Prosecutors have said they’re also looking at whether criminal charges are warranted against Sheehan for firing the rifle, though investigators had not yet determined whether Monteiro was actually injured by a bullet.
Sheehan’s attorney declined comment yesterday.