Peabody Police Sergeant On Leave After Domestic Abuse Accusation

PEABODY, MA — Peabody police placed a sergeant on paid, administrative leave after his girlfriend accused him of trying to strangle her last month when she told him he was breaking up with him. Brendan O'Brien, 42, of Buxton Street in Peabody, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of assault and battery on a domestic partner and suffocation or strangulation. O'Brien was released following the hearing on the condition he turn over weapons, stay away from the victim and submit random breath samples to make sure he is not drinking.

According to the Salem News, which first reported this story, the Aug. 24 fight started after the woman found text messages between O'Brien and another woman. The girlfriend told police O'Brien had been physically abusive on previous occasions. O'Brien is due back in court Oct. 4.