Newton police chief accused of kicking secretary

NEWTON, Mass. (WHDH) – The Newton police chief has been put on administrative leave after allegations surfaced that he kicked his ex-secretary’s foot and called her names.

Chief Matthew Cummings’ 30-plus career at the department came to an end Wednesday after an investigation into his words and actions towards his ex-secretary proved to be true, according to Newton’s mayor.

The allegations were first brought to the MCAD in 2010 but it was just this past May that the mayor says he got wind of them. Months later, the mayor’s investigation says there is credible evidence that the chief did perform those actions.

The report also says that Cummings’ behavior wasn’t appropriate but it seems that he was only joking at the time. But the mayor says there is nothing funny about the situation.

The chief’s ex-secretary – the woman who brought the charges – is also on paid administrative leave because she faces charges of stealing money from the police department.

“The names that Chief Cummings called this employee, the physical action of kicking is inappropriate and is unacceptable no matter what framework he claims it was in or anyone else. It’s just purely unacceptable in this city and is not tolerated and will not be tolerated. And that’s why, again, I took the action,” Mayor Setti Warren said during a press conference.

The mayor said the termination hearing will be held within the next 30 days.