Updates: Second Framingham Officer Alleges Retaliation Against Town

FRAMINGHAM—Lieutenant Vincent Stuart has filed a federal lawsuit against the town of Framingham, in which he alleges that he was suspended in retaliation after "complaining about a town employee's lack of qualifications," and "police officer fantasy," according to a complaint obtained by Patch.

The 16-year veteran of the department is currently on paid leave, according to the Framingham Police Department.

The 25-page complaint was filed in the First Circuit court Tuesday morning.

Stuart's attorney Seth Robbins told Patch, "Respectfully, we are at a loss as to the Town's position. The document upon which the Town relies, the validity of which is itself in question, does not contain any provisions which bar Lt. Stuart from filing a meritorious lawsuit against Mr. Simoneau for violating Lt. Stuart's federal civil rights and state whistleblower protections, based on the facts alleged in the complaint. It is almost as if we are talking about two different complaints, the one the Town wishes Lt. Stuart filed, and the one that was filed."

Framingham Police Detective Matthew Gutwill also filed a lawsuit in Boston's federal court in November, and is currently back in his job. Robbins, also representing Gutwill, has stated that he has been demoted to patrolman.

Gutwill's complaint alleges he was suspended in August because he revealed departmental corruption to the FBI. The lawsuit also charges that Gutwill’s decision to accuse a fellow detective of lying under oath led to him being shunned, harassed, and removed from a long-held position.

Lieutenant Steve Cronin told Patch that Officer Matthew Gutwill has returned to active duty status as of Monday, and is currently assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division.