Police sergeant resigns after probe confirms allegations

A former Stoneham police sergeant has resigned from the department after a town investigation confirmed allegations that he had used racist and vulgar language while on duty and then had lied to investigators, officials said.

Allegations concerning Thomas Heller’s conduct surfaced in the spring of 2023, while he was working as a police sergeant, Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan and Police Chief James O’Connor said in a statement Monday.

Once an independent investigator hired by the town corroborated the allegations, Heller was placed on administrative leave while the investigation continued, they said.

Investigators determined that Heller used “vulgar and racially insensitive language” that violated department policies, rules, and regulations on multiple occasions while on duty, according to the statement. Investigators also found that Heller was “untruthful” during the investigation.

“The Stoneham Police Department is committed to delivering the highest level of police services to our community,” officials said in the statement. “When someone fails to meet those standards, they will be held accountable.”

Heller resigned from the department while facing termination by the town, the statement said. It did not give a date for the resignation.

Town officials entered into a separation agreement regarding the terms of Heller’s resignation, which they were advised by legal counsel not to contest. Heller did not receive any additional payments beyond what he was owed, officials said, and the results of the investigation were sent to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, the state’s police oversight agency.

“There is no place for hateful language among the members of the Stoneham Police Department,” officials said. “We are committed to serving in partnership with our community in an unbiased and impartial manner, while treating all with respect, compassion, and fairness.”