Massachusetts couple receives no prison time in drowning death of 17-year-old, altercation occurs after sentencing

The case against a Dedham couple in the drowning of a young man in June of 2021 was resolved by disagreed plea in Dedham District Court this morning, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.

The defendants, Leslie, 56, and James Coughlin, 58, were each charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor and reckless endangerment of a child. The couple pled guilty to the charge of furnishing alcohol and admitted to sufficient facts for a probable finding of guilt to the reckless endangerment charge in the death of 17-year-old Alonzo Polk in their pool following Polk’s graduation from Dedham High School.

Assistant District Attorney Sean Riley asked Dedham District Court Judge Paul McCallum to impose a guilty finding on each count and sentence the Coughlins to 2 1/2 years in the Norfolk County House of Corrections, with 1 year to serve and the balance suspended during 3 years of probation – with 200 hours of community service during that probation.

Judge McCallum entered a guilty finding on the furnishing alcohol charge and ordered a 1-year sentence, which he suspended for three years. He continued without a finding the reckless endangerment charge for three years. He imposed 50 hours of community service on each charge, for a total of 100 hours.

According to Dedham Police, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on June 12, 2021, the Dedham Emergency 911 Center received multiple 911 calls reporting an unresponsive male related to a possible drowning incident. The incident took place in a backyard on Netta Road which includes an in-ground pool.

Upon arrival, officers observed bystanders performing CPR on Polk.

First Responders took over care and rendered aid to Polk who was subsequently transported to a Boston hospital by Fallon Ambulance where he later died.

There was a confrontation outside the courthouse following sentencing which prompted a statement by Dedham Police.

“At approximately 10:38 a.m., an officer in the area of Dedham District Court observed and reported a physical altercation taking place in the street. Several officers already in the area along with Court Personnel and others intervened to stop the altercation and restore order. Coastal ambulance responded to evaluate injured parties. Two individuals were evaluated on scene and refused transport for any further evaluation. At this time, members of the Dedham Police Department are actively investigating the circumstances. Any person who may have witnessed this altercation is urged to contact the Dedham Police at 781 326-1212.”

No other details, including who was involved, were released.