Brookline terminates new police chief after investigation into sexual harassment allegations

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Brookline’s new police chief has been fired following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against female employees, five months after starting the job, officials announced Friday.

The Brookline Select Board unanimously voted Friday to terminate the employment of Ashley Gonzalez from the position of chief of police following a disciplinary hearing, the town said in a news release.

In a statement, officials said, “Gonzalez was determined to have violated the town’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.”

An independent review 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.

Gonzalez was sworn in as police chief on June 1 and placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 5 shortly after town officials say they received separate reports of multiple policy violations.

“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.

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