Boston Police officer arrested and charged with intimidation of a witness

BOSTON — A Boston Police officer faced a judge on Monday, accused of intimidating a witness and harassment.

Matthew Morrissey was arrested on Sunday by Boston Police and Milton Police.

“Morrissey, who was recently placed on administrative leave, was the target of an internal investigation being conducted by the Boston Police Bureau of Professional Standards,” according to a statement from Boston Police. “During the course of the investigation, Morrissey intimidated and harassed a Boston Police officer conducting the investigation.”

In court, the prosecutor said Morrissey’s arrest stems from an investigation for allegedly violating the City of Boston’s residency ordinance.

The prosecutor said Morrisey was placed on administrative leave on Saturday, March 5. The next day, on Sunday, March 6 at 1:40 a.m., Morrissey went to the home of a sergeant detective who is part of the department’s Anti Corruption Division, according to court documents.

Morrissey was in his pickup truck 10 feet from the home “close enough to block the egress of anyone entering or exiting the home.”

The alleged victim - the sergeant detective - said he looked out his window and saw Morrissey roll down his window.

“Morrissey remained and stared at (the sergeant detective) who was standing in house house behind a glass storm door for approximately one and one-half minutes and then drove away,” according to court documents. “Morrissey did not say anything or exit his vehicle,” according to the court document.

Morrissey was arrested Sunday night in Milton.

Morrissey was released without bail. He was ordered to stay away from the sergeant detective’s home, and the sergeant detective’s family, and the headquarters of the Anti Corruption Division, where the sergeant detective was assigned.

“This was the third in a series of confrontations instigated by Officer Morrissey while he was under investigation for allegedly violating the City’s residency ordinance.” according to court documents.

“Conduct such as this will not be accepted or ignored by the Boston Police Department,” said Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long. “Our Officers take an oath to uphold the law and will be held accountable to that very oath. This arrest serves as a clear reminder that the Boston Police Department holds its Officers to the highest standards.”

“All of us in law enforcement are supposed to protect the residents of the municipalities in which we serve, and we are rightfully held to the highest standard,’’ said Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. “The actions of Office Morrissey are troubling on many levels: he lied about where he lived, and he intimidated a fellow officer who had placed him on administrative leave.’’

Morrissey is due back in court on April 21 for a pre-trial hearing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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