Gov. Baker Pardons Bethlehem, NH Man For 1971 Arrest In Chelmsford

BOSTON, MA — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced pardons for four individuals on Wednesday, one of them for a man arrested by Chelmsford police in 1971 for a break-in at the Crystal Lake pump house.

Each petition for pardon is reviewed by the Advisory Board of Pardons, which then makes a recommendation to the governor. The pardons must now be approved by the Governor’s Council.

"The ability to grant pardons is a very serious responsibility, but through careful consideration and review, I believe these individuals are worthy candidates for a pardon," Baker said.

Baker continued: "All of these individuals have shown a commitment to their communities and rehabilitation since their convictions. However, the charges are related to decades-old convictions that continue to have an impact on their lives. I look forward to the Governor's Council’s review of these recommendations."

Kenneth Dunn, who grew up in Tyngsboro and currently resides in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, was 20 years old when he was arrested by Chelmsford police for a break-in at the water pump house on Crystal Lake, according to a report and recommendation on the pardon from Massachusetts Advisory Board of Pardons.

Dunn pleaded guilty to one count of larceny from a building, a felony, in Lowell District Court and was sentenced to one year of probation.

In 2014, according to records, Dunn submitted an initial petition for pardon after the Nashua, New Hampshire Police Department forced him to relinquish his firearms license due to his 1971 felony conviction. Dunn was living in Nashua at the time.

According to Dunn's petition for pardon, he is an avid hunter.

"I have been unable to participate in hunting or enjoy my membership at the Ammonoosuc Gun Club in Lincoln, New Hampshire, where I have been a member for seven years," Dunn said at the time.

Dunn, according to records, was interviewed by the Advisory Board of Pardons in both 2014 and 2021.

In both instances, regarding the 1971 case, Dunn denied entering the pump house or removing anything from the structure ahead of his conviction.

The Board learned that no arrest report or incident report is on record with the Chelmsford Police Department due to the age of the case.

Dunn stated that on Aug. 26, 1971, he went to the pump house location to meet with friends. Prior to his arrival, according to Dunn, his friends broke a lock to the pump house and removed football helmets and pads. Dunn said his friends used the items to play football nearby.

However, Dunn said that the police arrived shortly thereafter and arrested him. Dunn told the Advisory Board that he was transported to a local jail where he was advised that if he pleaded guilty, he would be released from court the same day. So, he entered a guilty plea and later served a year of probation.

Dunn informed the Board that he was not represented by counsel during any point of the proceedings.

On April 8, 2022, the six-member Advisory Board of Pardons voted unanimously that a favorable recommendation for a pardon be sent to the governor on behalf of Dunn.