A lawsuit filed in Suffolk County Superior Court alleges that a former Boston Police Department superintendent was demoted after uncovering hundreds of potential instances of fraud within the department. Deputy Superintendent Marcus Eddings is suing the department and Police Commissioner Michael Cox, claiming retaliation for reporting the alleged violations.
Allegations of Widespread Fraud
According to the lawsuit, Eddings, a BPD employee since 1996 and superintendent since 2019, investigated paid details and court overtime programs for fraudulent activity. His investigation allegedly revealed 693 violations involving 43 officers. Specifically, 46 violations involving 20 officers were referred to the Anti-Corruption Division, while 647 violations involving 25 officers were sent to the Internal Affairs Division. The complaint states that video documentation supports many of these findings.
The lawsuit claims that when Eddings presented his findings, Commissioner Cox allegedly expressed concern that pursuing the investigations would damage the department’s reputation and his own legacy. Another department official reportedly suggested that firing a large number of officers was unrealistic. Despite this, Eddings continued his investigation, uncovering further violations, and was subsequently “stripped of several positions” and demoted to his previous rank of deputy superintendent on January 20, 2024.
Whistleblower Claim and Department Response
Eddings alleges that his demotion was a direct result of his whistleblowing activities and a violation of the Massachusetts Whistleblower Act. He is seeking to be reinstated to his former position as superintendent. A statement from department spokesperson Mariellen Burns, obtained by The Boston Globe, asserts that Commissioner Cox has “sole authority” to appoint command staff and that such decisions are based on the department’s needs.
Burns also stated that the department investigates all allegations of misconduct through a “well-established process,” including those related to the abuse of time and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the lawsuit?
The lawsuit was prompted by Deputy Superintendent Marcus Eddings’ demotion, which he alleges was retaliation for uncovering and reporting nearly 700 instances of potential fraud within the Boston Police Department.
What types of violations were uncovered?
The alleged violations involved paid details and court overtime programs, with 693 total violations identified during Eddings’ investigation.
What is the department’s response to the allegations?
The department, through spokesperson Mariellen Burns, maintains that the Commissioner has the authority to make personnel decisions based on the department’s needs and that all allegations of misconduct are investigated.
If the court finds in favor of Eddings, it could lead to further scrutiny of the department’s internal processes and potentially prompt a broader review of paid detail and overtime practices. It remains to be seen how the department will respond to the lawsuit and whether further investigations will be conducted.
