Marblehead Police Officer Christopher Gallo’s disciplinary hearing, which had been set to resume on April 26, will now continue in mid-May, according to the Select Board Office.
The decision comes weeks after five hours of testimony was taken during the public hearing’s first day in late March.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer is serving as the hearing officer as the town weighs possible sanctions for Gallo stemming from allegations of misconduct and violations of department policies. Gallo has been on leave since June 16, 2021.
Gallo is facing discipline up to and including termination on multiple allegations, including that he spent extended periods at home when he was supposed to be on patrol, as documented in photographs purportedly showing his police cruiser parked in his driveway.
In a second case, the town alleges that Gallo exercised “poor judgment” during a domestic dispute with his girlfriend on July 26, 2021.
Between the two alleged incidents, Marblehead Police alleges Gallo violated several department policies, including:
- conduct unbecoming of an officer.
- professional image.
- devotion to duty.
- cooperation with investigations.
- falsifying records.
- off-duty use of alcohol.
So far, Detective Theresa Gay and Sgt. Sean Brady had given testimony, and Gay had not finished hers before Kezer concluded the hearing’s first day.
Police Chief Dennis King, Gallo and one other unidentified witness are expected to testify.
Attorneys Gary Nolan and Peter Perroni of the firm Nolan Perroni in North Chelmsford are representing Gallo, while Town Counsel Jane Friedman of the Newburyport firm Mead, Talerman & Costa is representing the town of Marblehead.
