Massachusetts Chief of Police terminated after board determines he violated sexual harassment policy

A Select Board unanimously voted today to terminate the employment of a Massachusetts Chief of Police following a disciplinary hearing.

Ashley Gonzalez was determined to have violated Brookline’s Policy Against Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Retaliation, and Brookline Police Department rules and regulations against conduct unbecoming a police officer on multiple occasions and with several employees following an independent review by the firm Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting.

CIC’s principals include former Secretary of Public Safety and Security and Worcester County First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Bennett and former Massachusetts State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin.

Gonzalez exercised his right to have the disciplinary hearing held in a closed session. The Select Board reconvened in open session after the hearing to take its vote.

In its report to the Select Board, CIC recommended Gonzalez’s termination after finding multiple admitted, corroborated and sustained allegations of sexual harassment against female employees of the Brookline Police Department in violation of town policies.

Some of the allegations against Gonzalez began almost as soon as he became chief.

Gonzalez was sworn in as chief on June 1, and placed on paid administrative leave on August 5, shortly after town officials received separate reports of multiple alleged instances in which the policy was violated.

On June 2, he allegedly told a female coworker that she was a milf.

During a meeting a female coworker stated. “I have one thing that keeps me up at night.” Chief Gonzalez started laughing and stated, “Oh, your husband.”

Chief Gonzalez reportedly utilized phrases such as, ‘Good morning blondie’ and ‘my girl,’ while speaking to a female coworker.

A female coworker also stated that he used the term spanking in a sexual connotation.

“We have a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation, and I want to thank the team from Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting for a thorough review of these incidents,” Select Board Chair Heather Hamilton said.

Jennifer Paster is currently serving as acting chief.