Newton Police Chief Has Been Asked to Leave

The mayor has asked the police chief to leave.

In a news conference this afternoon, Newton Mayor Setti Warren said he had this morning asked Newton Police Chief Matthew Cummings to leave.

Cummings has, in the meantime, been put on paid administrative leave.

The shakeup comes after a report from an independent investigator found "sufficient credible evidence" of two complaints about Cummings made by the chief's former secretary, Jeanne Sweeney Mooney.

In this afternoon's news conference, Warren said he was "deeply disturbed" and "disappointed."

"This is not the kind of behavior we expect," the mayor said. Warren said he is "initiating the process" of removing Cummings.

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Controversy has surrounded the department in recent weeks . The secretary alleges, though, the charges are retaliation for the complaints she filed against Cummings.

Independent investigator Edward R. Mitnick found "sufficient, credible evidence" that Cummings made "inappropriate and offensive" comments to Mooney, and that, in the summer of 2010, he kicked her foot.

There was no credible evidence found of other complaints made by Mooney.

And there have been no other complaints made against Cummings in the the past. He is a 30+-year veteran of the police department.

Newton Police Captain Howard following an appointment from Mayor Warren. 

Mintz said at the news conference that department morale is "good, and that he is "honored" to be appointed.

Stay tuned for more detailed coverage — including video of today's news conference — on Patch.