Former Newton Police Secretary Charged with Larceny

The Newton police chief's former secretary is facing larceny charges in Framingham District Court after she allegedly stole $660 from the department.

According to a report in the Boston Globe, Jeanne Sweeney Mooney faces one count of felony larceny over $250. She is likely to be arraigned sometime next month.

Police allege that the former secretary took an envelope filled with cash from police permit fees as well as destroyed $1,500 in checks and a schedule of the fee payments. 

Mooney, who has been on paid administrative leave since last September, alleges that the charges are retaliation for civil action she filed against the department, the Globe reported.

According to the Globe, Mooney sent a letter to the city earlier this year demanding $600,000 in damages for pain and suffering stemming from the allegations made against her. Mooney, who denies she took the money, also requested the city fire Cummings and reinstate her in her former position. 

The city has hired an outside investigator to handle the case, the Globe reported, including Mooney's allegations that Cummings verbally harassed and intimidated her.