Somerville Attorney Accused Of Trying To Bribe Medford Police Chief

SOMERVILLE, MA — A Somerville attorney is accused of trying to bribe the Medford police chief in order to secure approval for a marijuana dispensary, reported MassLive.

Sean O’Donovan was taken into custody in West Yarmouth Friday morning, prosecutors said. He is facing charges including two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.

Prosecutors say O’Donovan tried to help an unnamed client obtain the permits and approvals necessary to open a recreational marijuana dispensary in Medford.

According to an agreement between O’Donovan and the client, upon approval O'Donovan would receive 1 percent of the annual gross profit of the business upon approval, an estimated $100,000 per year.

Medford adopted an ordinance in 2020 that allows only three dispensaries in the city. An advisory panel comprised of several people, including Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley, reviews dispensary applications.

Federal agents allege O’Donovan tried to bribe the Medford police chief with $25,000 to get his client’s application to the top, attempting to transfer the money through one of Buckley’s family members.

More details on this investigation will be released at a later time, prosecutors said.