Framingham Sgt. Scott Brown found not guilty March 23, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
Judge Paul Chernoff today found Framingham Police Sgt. Scott Brown not guilty of assault charges.

"I'm just glad that the truth finally came out and people heard what really happened," Brown said after hearing the decision. "I'm so glad this is over."

Brown, 39, of Mendon, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Brown was accused of pointing a gun at Jorge Correia at EZ Storage, 501 Cochituate Road, Framingham, on April 29, 2010.

Brown admitted that he had pulled down the EZ Storage driveway to urinate after getting off the Massachusetts Turnpike at about 6:30 p.m. But he denied ever threatening Correia or drawing his weapon.

The trial, held at Middlesex Superior Court, lasted seven days. It was a bench trial, meaning that instead of a jury of peers, Brown chose the judge to decide the case.

"At the District Attorney's Office, we speak on behalf of victims," Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said in a statement. "Here, we fully and fairly investigated a credible factual complaint by a member of the public, considered all the evidence available to us, presented the best possible case on behalf of the victims, and remain confident with the facts that were presented to us on which we built our case.

"Ultimately, our hope and intention remains that this matter demonstrates that no one is above the law, and that accountability and preserving the public's trust and confidence in law enforcement should be of the utmost importance to all those sworn to protect and serve the people of the Commonwealth."

Prosecutor Elizabeth Dunigan put 15 witnesses on the stand, including Correia and his wife, Cathy Runnals. Both Runnals and Correia lived and worked at EZ Storage.

Runnals testified during the trial that she had confronted Brown about urinating on the property. She said she did not see a gun or hear Brown threaten her husband.

Brown's lawyer, Timothy Burke, put four witnesses on the stand, including Brown, and Officer Leonard Pini, who was in the unmarked police SUV during the incident. Pini testified that Brown did not pull his gun and never threated Correia.

Pini was not charged. Brown has been on paid administrative leave since May 4, 2010.

More than 30 Framingham Police officers filled the courtroom today in support of Brown, and several of them pumped their fists when Chernoff announced his verdict.

After the verdict, every single one of Brown's supporters there gave him a hug.

During the trial, two versions of security video footage were played for the judge. One of the versions was enhanced by the FBI in Boston. However, neither video was clear enough to show anything in Brown's hand.

The judge, in making the ruling, called the case one of "countless human tragedies" that he has seen while serving on the bench because it was an avoidable case.

"Each and every one of us is fallible, however, the tragedy here is that the defendant's fallibilities late that afternoon lined up to create a 'perfect storm' which left unintended harmful results in its path," Chernoff said, reading from his decision.

Judge to issue verdict on Sgt. Scott Brown tomorrow March 22, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- A Middlesex Superior Court judge should clear Scott Brown of all charges, his lawyer said today, because allegations that he pointed his gun at someone and threatened him does not make sense.

Brown's lawyer, Timothy Burke, said during closing arguments of Brown's trial there was no evidence, including video evidence or witness statements, that his client ever pointed a gun at Jorge Correia at EZ Storage, 501 Cochituate Road, on April 29, 2010.

Brown has denied he pulled a gun on Correia or threatened to shoot him. Neither Brown's partner, Leonard Pini, or Correia's wife, said they saw a gun or heard a threat.

"What all three of witnesses agreed upon, including Mrs. Runnals, none of them saw a gun pulled and none of them heard 'move it or get shot,' '' Burke said. "The only one who says anything different is Mr. Correia."

Burke said Correia's story is not believable. Correia testified that Brown got out of the unmarked SUV, pointed a gun at him and told him to move. Correia then testified that he told Brown he was being recorded by security video, but Brown said he didn't care, and again threatened to shoot him.

Correia said from the time Brown got out of the SUV and then got back into the SUV took about 10 seconds, but security video showed that it actually took two seconds.

Burke said it was physically impossible for everything Correia said took place to have occurred in two seconds. Burke, using a timer, repeated the conversation Correia said happened, and it took eight seconds.

"Ask yourself if you can say these words in two seconds,'' Burke said to Judge Paul Chernoff. "It's physically impossible and it doesn't happen."

Prosecutor Elizabeth Dunigan told the judge the case is one of an arrogant officer used to being honored and respected by everyone who was challenged in what he thought was an inappropriate manner. Brown was in a hurry to get to a narcotic's officers meeting at a Chinese restaurant and did not want to deal with Correia and Runnals.

"He's not a bad man, he did a bad thing,'' said Dunigan. "Scott Brown feels he can do what he thinks he can do because he feels like he earned it. Scott Brown does not have time for a man like Jorge Correia. Scott Brown is not going to be delayed from his Chinese food meeting with other drug detectives.''

Dunigan said although the EZ Storage security video does not show a gun in Brown's hand, it does show Correia's reaction afterwards. She said Correia puts his hand to his head, and looks shocked after Brown and Pini leave the facility.

"Correia literally acts like someone who can't believe something like that has happened,'' Dunigan said.

Chernoff said he would rule at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Brown, 39, of Mendon, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Framingham Sgt. Brown testifies at his trial March 21, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
Framingham Sgt. Brown testifies at his trial LOWELL -- A Framingham Police sergeant took this stand in his own defense today, denying allegations that he pulled a gun on an unarmed citizen last year.

Sgt. Scott Brown, 39, of Mendon, testifying in Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell, said he never pointed his gun at Jorge Correia on April 29, 2010. He also said he never threatened him.

Correia accused Brown of pointing his gun at him and threatening to shoot him in the parking lot of EZ Storage, 501 Cochituate Road, Framingham. Correia, along with his wife, Cathy Runnals, worked and lived on site.

Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Brown said he and his partner, Detective Leonard Pini, had pulled into the lot around 6:30 p.m. with the intention of watching a suspected drug dealer who he thought had pulled into the Red Roof Inn across the street. Before doing surveillance, Brown said he had to urinate, so he went down a wooded area.

Runnals confronted him about it, and as he drove off, Brown said Correia drove up to the unmarked SUV he and Pini were in, blocking them in.

After Correia did not move his golf cart when Brown flashed the blue lights, Brown said he got out of the SUV to order him to move.

"I told him to move the (expletive) golf cart,'' Brown said.

Brown said he never took his gun out or threatened Correia.

Pini also took the stand, and his testimony backed up Brown's claim.

"Did you ever hear Sgt. Brown say "Move it or get shot,' '' Brown's lawyer, Timothy Burke asked.

"I heard him say, 'Move,' but not 'or get shot,' '' Pini said.

Pini also said he never saw Brown pull his gun from the holster on his hip, or have it in his hand.

The trial is scheduled to continue tomorrow. Brown is expected to retake the stand.

Testimony: Sgt. Scott Brown consistently denied pulling gun March 18, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- Sgt. Scott Brown repeatedly denied pointing a gun at an unarmed man last year, Deputy Police Chief Ken Ferguson testified today.

Brown, 38, of Mendon, is on trial on charges that he pointed a gun at Jorge Correia on April 29, 2010, in the parking lot of EZ Storage, 501 Cochituate Road.

Ferguson, testifying in the fifth day of Brown's trial, said he had known Brown since he was 15, and called him as a personal friend, and not as an investigator in the case, while the investigation into the allegations were taking place.

In every call, Brown said he never pulled a gun, Ferguson said.

"He said he had seen the video and it looked like something might be in his hand,'' said Ferguson. "He said, 'Kenny, it wasn't a gun. It could have been my cell phone or it could have been my radio, but I didn't pull my gun.' ''

Ferguson said Brown was considered a top-notch officer and that his superior officers respected him and junior officers looked up to him.

"He's a leader of men,'' said Ferguson. "I used to tease him about all of the ribbons he had on his uniform from all of the awards he received."

John Green, a forensic video analyst for the FBI in Boston, testified about trying to enhance security video from EZ Storage.

He said he enlarged the video and tried to improve the quality. The enhanced video is highly pixilated.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Dunigan is expected to close her case on Monday after Kevin Nolan, who transferred the video from EZ Storage onto a tape that was provided to Green, is scheduled to be the last prosecution witness.

Defense lawyer Timothy Burke will then start his defense. In his opening statement on Monday, he said he expected to put character witnesses on the stand. He also said Brown will take the stand in his own defense.

Framingham detective: Sgt. Scott Brown 'doesn't draw his weapon' March 17, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- A Framingham Police sergeant accused of pointing his gun at an unarmed citizen last year has a reputation of being calm and not pulling his weapon, a fellow detective testified today.

Detective Matt Gutwill said Sgt. Scott Brown is not known as someone who overreacts.

Brown, 38, of Mendon, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime. He is accused of pointing a gun at Jorge Correia at EZ Storage on Cochituate Road on April 29, 2010.

Gutwill testified today during the fourth day of Brown's trial in Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell.

"He's known to be level-headed, the go-to guy in stressful situations,'' said Gutwill. "He doesn't draw his weapon. It is the last resort when there are no other options."

Lt. Kevin Slattery, who was Brown's superior, called Brown the day after Correia came to the police station on May 3 to report an officer pointing a gun at him.

Brown told him he had a confrontation with a woman there, later identified as Cathy Runnals, after she caught him urinating on the property. He said he also had a confrontation with a man, later identified as Correia, who parked a golf cart in front of his SUV and would not move.

Slattery said Brown told him that he and his partner, Detective Leonard Pini, had pulled into EZ Storage because they had seen a known drug dealer they were investigating pulling into the Red Roof Inn parking lot across the street, and they wanted to watch him from the storage facility driveway.

"He (Brown) asked if there was a complaint, and I said the guy said there was a gun involved,'' said Slattery. "He said there was no gun."

Police did not believe man who claimed Framingham officer pointed gun at him March 16, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- A man who claimed Framingham Police Sgt. Scott Brown pulled a gun on him last year could not describe the gun right after the event, or even who pointed it at him, a police officer testified today in Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell.

Officer Brian Blue, testifying in the third day of Brown's assault trial, said he first went to the EZ Storage facility on Cochituate Road on April 29, 2010, after a report that someone had urinated on the property.

Blue said he interviewed Jorge Correia and his wife Cathy Runnals, around 6:30 p.m. The couple both worked and lived at the facility.

While looking at security video, Correia told Blue that one of the two people in the car pointed a gun at him.

"I asked him what type of gun it was, and he didn't know,'' said Blue. "I asked him if it was a pistol, a rifle or a shot gun and he couldn't answer. I said he couldn't remember if it was the driver or passenger. I couldn't get any description from him about anything.''

Blue did not take a report of the incident that night. He said he had no idea it was Brown, because the video was unclear.

"I didn't believe there was a firearm at all,'' said Blue. "He couldn't describe anything. I didn't believe him and I didn't believe something occurred based on his description and how he was acting."

Brown, 38, of Mendon, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime. He is accused of pointing his gun at Correia after Correia's wife confronted Brown about urinating at the storage facility.

His partner, Detective Leonard Pini, who was there at the time of the incident, was not charged.

Brown has denied making any threat, or pointing his gun at Correia.

The trial is scheduled to continue tomorrow.

Lawyers differ on whether Framingham Police sergeant pointed gun at self-storage manager March 14, 2011
Anonymous Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- A Framingham Police sergeant twice told a former Framingham man he was going to shoot him while pointing a gun at him last year, a prosecutor said during her opening statement in the sergeant's trial today.

But, Scott Brown's lawyer, Timothy Burke told Judge Paul Chernoff that the allegations don't make sense.

Brown, of Mendon, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Brown has opted for a bench trial in Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell, and the case will be decided by Chernoff.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Dunigan said Brown, along with his partner Leonard Pini, had pulled into the EZ Storage facility on Cochituate Road to urinate on April 29, 2010.

They were confronted by Cathy Runnals, who is married to manager Jorge Correia, and they began to leave, Dunigan said.

But, Correia, who heard the commotion, rode his golf cart toward them and approached the unmarked SUV, which Brown was driving, and tried to talk to them about what had just happened.

"Scott Brown, who has somewhere to be, opens his door, steps out, takes his right hand, points it like this (holding her hand like a gun) and said, "move it or get shot,'' Dunigan said.

Dunigan said portions of the incident were caught on tape, but said the gun was not visible.

The reason the gun isn't visible is because it wasn't there, Burke said. He also said right after the incident, Runnals called 911 to report the confrontation, and in a conversation that lasted nearly five minutes, she never mentioned a gun.

"The video won't show you a gun because there is no gun," Burke said.

Correia took the stand as the first witness today, and described Brown pointing the gun at him, and his reaction when it happened.

"I panicked and I stepped back, and put my hands up,'' said Correia. "I thought I was going to get shot."

The trial is scheduled to continue tomorrow. Burke is scheduled to cross-examine Correia.

Framingham Sgt. Scott Brown opts for bench trial March 11, 2011
Paul Crocetti Metrowest Daily News
ASHLAND -- The Framingham Police sergeant accused of pulling his gun on an unarmed civilian last year decided today to waive his right to a jury trial, leaving his fate in the hands of a superior court judge.

Detective Sgt. Scott Brown's bench trial is scheduled to begin Monday. Judge Paul Chernoff accepted Brown's decision in Middlesex Superior Court this morning.

"Judge Chernoff is a very fair and experienced judge," Timothy Burke, Brown's attorney, said after the hearing. "We look forward to finally having an opportunity to present Sgt. Brown's position in response to the allegations made against him."

Authorities say Brown, 39, pointed his gun at a man who confronted him for urinating in a private parking lot at EZ Storage, 501 Cochituate Road, Framingham. Brown, a Mendon resident, was on duty but in plain clothes and an unmarked car.

Chernoff said in court that he plans to visit the EZ Storage on Monday morning. The defense and prosecution are also scheduled to present their opening statements that day in Middlesex Superior Court.

Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in October.

Accused Framingham Police sergeant may pass up jury trial March 4, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- The Framingham Police sergeant accused of pulling his gun on an unarmed civilian last year may put his fate into the hands of a single superior court judge.

Scott Brown may waive his right to a jury trial and ask Middlesex Superior Court Judge Paul Chernoff to hear the case.

In superior court in Lowell yesterday, Brown's lawyer, Timothy Burke, said having Chernoff hear the case would also shorten the trial. Burke said he would also be willing to agree to certain facts offered by witnesses.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Dunigan told Chernoff that she expects as many as 17 people may testify in the trial, to begin March 14 in Lowell.

Among those slated to testify are several Framingham Police officers, she said. She expects the trial to last five to seven days, she said.

Chernoff asked Burke to decide by next Friday if Brown is going to ask for a jury trial.

Brown is accused of pulling his weapon on an unarmed man at the EZ Storage facility on Cochituate Road in Framingham and threatening to shoot him April 29, 2010.

At his October arraignment, Brown pleaded not guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Authorities say Brown and Detective Leonard Pini had pulled into the driveway at EZ Storage in an unmarked police SUV and then walked down an embankment to urinate. The wife of the manager, who lives on the property, confronted the pair. She complained to Brown about his exposing himself, and he told her not to look, she told police.

When Brown, who was driving, and Pini were leaving, the woman's husband rode over in a golf cart and confronted them, authorities said. Brown is accused of getting out of the SUV and pointing his gun and threatening to shoot the man, authorities said.

Pini was not charged and has returned to work. Brown is on leave.

Framingham cop's trial on track for March February 18, 2011
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- A Framingham Police sergeant is set to go to trial next month.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Dunigan told Middlesex Superior Court Judge Paul Chernoff that Sgt. Scott Brown's trial is still scheduled start March 14.

"We don't need any judicial intervention," Dunigan said.

Neither Brown nor his lawyer, Timothy Burke, attended yesterday's hearing.

The case's final pretrial conference is on March 3.

Brown, a Mendon resident, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Authorities say Brown on April 29 pulled his weapon on an unarmed person at the EZ Storage facility on Cochituate Road and threatened to shoot him.

Brown pleaded not guilty at his October arraignment.

Authorities say Brown and Detective Leonard Pini had pulled into the driveway of the facility in an unmarked police SUV and walked down an embankment to urinate. The wife of the manager, who both live nearby, confronted the pair about urinating. She complained to Brown about him exposing himself, and she told police that he told her not to look.

Pini was not charged and has returned to work. Brown is on leave.

As Brown, who was driving, and Pini left, the woman's husband rode over in a golf cart and confronted them, authorities said. Brown is accused of getting out of the SUV and pointing his gun at the man and threatening to shoot him.

Authorities say the incident was recorded on security video, but Burke has said that the video is unclear and that it's impossible to tell if Brown has anything in his hand. He has also argued that the alleged victim made a similar allegation about a year prior to making the allegation against Brown.

Brown has denied drawing his gun.

Trial for Framingham Police Sgt. Brown on track for March January 7, 2011
Ian B. Murphy 508-626-3964 Metrowest Daily News
LOWELL -- Suspended Framingham Police Sgt. Scott Brown returned to Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell yesterday, where his lawyer and an assistant district attorney traded requests to share evidence for the March trial.

Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime. Authorities say Brown pointed his gun at a man who confronted him for urinating in a private parking lot at EZ Storage, 501 Cochituate Road, Framingham. Brown was on duty but in plain clothes and an unmarked car.

Brown's lawyer, Tim Burke, said Brown has a disciplinary hearing with Framingham Police scheduled for Jan. 11.

Brown has another pretrial hearing on Feb. 17 before the trial in March.

"We want a trial as quickly as possible where we'll be given a chance to present for the first time all the facts in this case," Burke said.

Framingham detective pleads not guilty to charges October 14, 2010
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM -- A Framingham Police sergeant accused of pointing his gun at an unarmed citizen and threatening to shoot him in April pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today in Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell.

Detective Sgt. Scott Brown, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Authorities say Brown, who was on duty, was confronted by a woman on April 29 because he was urinating in the parking lot at the EZ Storage at 501 Cochituate Road.

When the husband questioned Brown, who was in plain clothes and in an unmarked cruiser, the sergeant pointed his gun at the man and threatened to shoot him if he did not move, authorities said.

Brown has been on paid administrative leave since May 6.

The conditions of his release included not going near the EZ Storage facility in Framingham and not contacting the victims. He is due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on Nov. 8.

Framingham detective to be arraigned today in Lowell October 14, 2010
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM -- A Framingham Police sergeant accused of pointing his gun at an unarmed citizen and threatening to shoot him in April is scheduled to be arraigned today in Middlesex Superior Court in Lowell.

Detective Sgt. Scott Brown, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Authorities say Brown, who was on duty, was confronted by a woman on April 29 because he was urinating in the parking lot at the EZ Storage at 501 Cochituate Road.

When the husband questioned Brown, who was in plain clothes and in an unmarked cruiser, the sergeant pointed his gun at the man and threatened to shoot him if he did not move, authorities said.

Brown has been on paid administrative leave since May 6.

Cop accused of gun threat passed polygraph, his lawyer says October 2, 2010
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM -- A police sergeant accused of pointing a gun at an unarmed Framingham man while on duty passed a polygraph test denying the allegation, his lawyer said yesterday.

A Middlesex grand jury indicted Sgt. Scott Brown, 38, on Thursday and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime.

Authorities say he pointed a gun and threatened to shoot a man at EZ Storage on Cochituate Road in April. The man had confronted Brown after the man's wife had yelled at Brown for urinating on the property, authorities said.

Brown's lawyer, Timothy M. Burke, said the allegations are baseless.

"I had him take a polygraph test asking the very questions he's accused of, and he volunteered to do it," Burke said. "The test was conducted by the former detective lieutenant of the state police, who was in charge of the polygraphy unit."

Burke said Brown passed the test "without any blip, and we forwarded this to the district attorney's office."

Brown, Burke said, is an exemplary police officer who has earned three commendations for saving people's lives. He has also been responsible for 15 to 20 major drug trafficking busts and also helped solve three murders.

Pointing a gun at an unarmed citizen just wouldn't make make sense, Burke said.

"It's completely out of character," he said. "If anybody knows him (Brown), he cares about people. He's a very sensitive individual. I think everybody, including a lot of people in the district attorney's office, are very disappointed, given Sgt. Brown's service to the community and to Middlesex County at large."

Burke also said the alleged victim has made similar allegations in the past 12 months, where he said someone pointed a gun and threatened to kill him.

As for the indictment, Burke said a person accused isn't given a chance to defend himself at that stage of the judicial process.

"Frankly, you can indict a ham sandwich if you want," he said. "The grand jury doesn't hear anything from our perspective about the case. They never invited my client to testify."

Like Brown, Detective Leonard Pini, who authorities say was present during the incident, has been on paid administrative leave since May.

Pini was not indicted.

Chief Steven Carl said yesterday that both officers will remain on leave until a hearing required under the state Civil Service system determines any change in their employment status.

Brown's Middlesex Superior Court arraignment date has not been set.

DA: Framingham cop a whiz on the job October 1, 2010
Ira Kantor Boston Herald
An on-duty Framingham police detective accused of pulling over to relieve himself in a private yard, then drawing his gun on the home's resident, has been indicted on criminal charges, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office announced yesterday.

Detective Scott Brown, 38, of Mendon was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and making threats stemming from an April 29 incident taking place on private property in Framingham, said spokeswoman Cara O'Brien.

Prosecutors say Brown, who was on-duty but not in uniform and driving an unmarked vehicle, got out and began to urinate. A woman who lives at the unidentified address approached and asked what he and his partner were doing, O'Brien said.

After Brown allegedly told the woman to "stop looking" and returned to his cruiser, her husband - upon hearing the commotion - drove over in his golf cart and stopped next to Brown as he was pulling away, O'Brien said.

The two exchanged words, and Brown then got out and drew his firearm, pointed it at the victim, and said, "Move it or get shot," prosecutors said.

The wife called 911. A video surveillance camera on the property captured the incident, O'Brien said. Messages left with Framingham police were not returned. Brown could not be reached for comment.

Framingham cop indicted in gun threat case September 30, 2010
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
A Middlesex grand jury indicted Framingham Police Detective Scott Brown on charges he threatened and pointed a gun at an unarmed citizen.

Brown, 38, of Mendon, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and making threats, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone's office said.

According to police records, Brown and Detective Leonard Pini, who was not charged, pulled into the EZ Storage parking lot at 501 Cochituate Road on April 29, 2010.

Brown, the district attorney's office said, was urinating when the manager's wife saw him and told him to stop.

Brown and Pini began to drive off when the husband rode up on his golf cart and confronted them.

Brown and the victim got into an argument and then Brown got out of the car, drew his gun and pointed it at the victim, saying "move it or get shot,'' the district attorney's office said.

The victim's wife called police that night, and police began an investigation.

Both Brown and Pini had been suspended since May.

Brown's arraignment date has not been set.

Double Standards of Justice June 16, 2010
Harold J. Wolfe 508-877-5541  
We learned back on May 8, 2010 that two Framingham police officers, Sgt. Scott Brown and Detective Lenny Pini, were being investigated for waving guns, threatening to shoot people and exposing themselves at EZ Storage in Framingham.

If I had been waving a gun and threatening someone or exposed myself, there would not be any internal investigation. I would have been arrested and incarcerated until I could pay bail and would subsequently be tried in court. The notion that the police are conducting an internal investigation while the two officers are free to do as they wish and are being paid by the taxpayers, shows a distinctly unfair double standard of justice. There has been plenty of time to conduct an internal investigation. It's becoming clear that this incident will be suppressed and hopefully forgotten by the media and citizens of Framingham.

Neither officer has been arrested and there might not be any publicly acccessible record of this incident in the courts which can be perused by citizens of Framingham in the future.

Both officers have been on paid administrative leave since May 6, 2010 at taxpayers expense. Are they enjoying their paid vacation on the cape? May I suggest that both officers be thrown off the force in such a way that they can never again be hired as police officers anywhere in this country. Perhaps, the Israelis might hire them near the Gaza strip.

Ironically, both officers were given an award on May 18, 2010 for teamwork. . Receiving the Chief's Unit Award, given to a department or shift that recognizes exemplary teamwork, were given to Detective Sgt. Scott Brown, and Detective Lenny Pini.

Framingham cop accused of gun threat May 25, 2010
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM -- A Framingham Police officer is accused of pointing his gun at a man and threatening to shoot him, according to a department e-mail which is part of an investigation into the actions of two officers.

The undated e-mail, obtained by the MetroWest Daily News, details allegations against Sgt. Scott Brown and Detective Lenny Pini.

Both have been on paid administrative leave since May 6 while the department investigates.

The e-mail was written by Lt. Harry D. Wareham and sent to Police Chief Steven Carl and Lt. Michael Hill.

In the message, Wareham describes a phone call he received from the regional manager of EZ Storage, who told him about an incident around 6:30 p.m. on April 29 at the business at 501 Cochituate Road involving two managers there and two men said to be police officers.

A male employee said he heard his wife tell a man that he was not allowed to urinate outside the business.

The man "then turns towards his wife with his penis in his hand. She tells the man do you realize what you are doing: it is a crime in Massachusetts to expose yourself to a female. The man yells back to her 'then stop looking.' "

The male employee then said he drove his golf cart toward the car and the driver "points a gun at him and tells him to 'move it or get shot; you are interfering with the police,' " according to the e-mail.

A second person was also in the SUV, according to Wareham's report.

The man again repeated the threat and the male employee told the men not to urinate at the business. The passenger in the car responded, "I have to go somewhere."

Wareham wrote in his report that the storage company manager gave him two discs that contained surveillance videos.

One of the two witnesses, reached at EZ Storage yesterday declined to comment.

Police Chief Steven Carl confirmed that he ordered Wareham to send the e-mail to the chief and Hill, who is in charge of internal investigations.

Carl said he could not comment on the allegations because it is "an active investigation" being conducted both internally and by the Middlesex district attorney's office.

He also confirmed that Brown and Pini, who are assigned to the narcotics unit, remain on paid leave.

A spokeswoman for the Middlesex district attorney's office said she could not comment on an ongoing investigation.

2 Framingham cops under investigation for pointing gun May 25, 2010
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM -- A Framingham Police officer is accused of pointing his gun at a man and threatening to shoot him, according to a department e-mail which is part of an investigation into the actions of two officers.

The undated e-mail, obtained by the MetroWest Daily News, details allegations against Sgt. Scott Brown and Detective Lenny Pini.

Both have been on paid administrative leave since May 6 while the department investigates.

The e-mail was written by Lt. Harry D. Wareham and sent to Police Chief Steven Carl and Lt. Michael Hill. In the message, Wareham describes a phone call he received from the regional manager of EZ Storage, who told him about an incident around 6:30 p.m. on April 29 at the business at 501 Cochituate Road involving two managers there and two men said to be police officers.

A male employee said he heard his wife tell a man that he was not allowed to urinate outside the business.

The man "then turns towards his wife with his penis in his hand. She tells the man do you realize what you are doing: it is a crime in Massachusetts to expose yourself to a female. The man yells back to her 'then stop looking.' ''

The male employee then said he drove his golf cart toward the car and the driver "points a gun at him and tells him to 'move it or get shot; you are interfering with the police,' '' according to the e-mail. A second person was also in the SUV, according to Wareham's report.

The man again repeated the threat and the male employee told the men not to urinate at the business. The passenger in the car responded, "I have to go somewhere.''

Wareham wrote in his report that the storage company manager gave him two discs that contained surveillance videos.

One of the two witnesses, reached at EZ Storage Monday declined to comment.

Police Chief Steven Carl confirmed that he ordered Wareham to send the e-mail to the chief and Hill, who is in charge of internal investigations.

Carl said he could not comment on the allegations because it is "an active investigation'' being conducted both internally and by the Middlesex district attorney's office.

He also confirmed that Brown and Pini, who are assigned to the narcotics unit, remain on paid leave.

A spokeswoman for the Middlesex district attorney's office said she could not comment on an ongoing investigation.

Police log entry: 04_29_10.htm

18:35   SUSP ACTIVITY: 501 COCHITUATE RD, EZ STORAGE (ADVISED) 947:  BLUE 
Two Framingham cops suspended, under investigation May 8, 2010
Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM -- Two drug officers are on paid administrative leave while being investigated by the department's internal affairs officer, Police Chief Steven Carl said yesterday.

Sgt. Scott Brown and Detective Lenny Pini were placed on leave Thursday, but Carl said he wouldn't talk about the circumstances that led him to take that action.

"There's an allegation they may have crossed the line into criminal behavior, but until I know all of the facts, I can't discuss it," the chief said.

The incident that sparked the investigation occurred while the officers were on duty. The matter is being handled by Lt. Michael Hill, who is in charge of internal affairs.

Carl said Hill's inquiry will be a "complete and thorough investigation." If any evidence of wrongdoing is found, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone's office will be contacted, he said.

Brown has been with the Framingham department since 1996. A former dog officer, he has been a detective for several years. In an arrest of a suspected carjacker in 2008, the tip of one of Brown's pinkies was bitten off.

Pini, who transferred from the Newton Police Department in 2005, works with Brown in the narcotics unit.

He was awarded the George L. Hanna Jr. Memorial Award for Bravery at a State House ceremony last November. The award, considered among the most prestigious honors given to Massachusetts officers, was for Pini's role in a 2008 shootout, in which he shot and wounded a suspect who had fired at officers.

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