Brookline Police Chief Placed On Paid Administrative Leave: Officials

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline Police Chief Ashley Gonzalez has been placed on paid administrative leave, Town Administrator Mel Kleckner said Saturday night.

Gonzalez has been accused of breaking the town's policy against discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation. The town conducted an initial review of "multiple allegations" and has hired Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting, a firm based in Quincy, to further investigate the claims, according to Kleckner.

Former Massachusetts State Police Col. Kerry Gilpin and Daniel Bennett, former secretary of public safety and Worcester County assistant district attorney, will lead the investigation. Gonzalez will remain on leave pending the findings of the investigation, officials said.

"The Town has a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation committed by or against its employees," Kleckner said in a statement. "We are committed to supporting the investigation, which will determine the facts, and responding accordingly."