Salisbury police chief under investigation

SALISBURY, Mass. -- A Bay State police chief has been put on paid administrative leave, and is now being investigated.

“He was served with a letter yesterday at 3:30 p.m.,” said Neil Harrington, the Salisbury Town Manager.

Salisbury’s popular police Chief David L'Esperance was handed that letter, which demanded his badge, car, gun and other police property.

“We received, what we believe to be, credible information and allegations relative to the chief’s potential involvement in activity that could be characterized as criminal,” said Harrington.

L'Esperance is a 20 year law enforcement professional, and has been the chief in Salisbury for four years. It is a major blow for the tiny department of just 15 officers. For now, Lieutenant Kevin Sullivan, who had been second in command, will be acting chief.

At L'Esperance’s home in nearby Seabrook, New Hampshire, the shades were drawn and the house appeared empty.

The town manager would not discuss the nature of the criminal allegations, or if other officials may be implicated.

The town is bringing in an independent investigator unrelated to the department. No one has any idea how long that investigation will take.

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