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(LibertySons.org) – A Massachusetts mayor is in hot water with the law after an alleged domestic violence incident. A police report accuses the public official of being the aggressor. Now, the mayor has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.
Taunton police responded to a call at Republican Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell’s home on July 19. Ted O’Connell had reportedly called law enforcement and said his wife assaulted him during an argument. According to WCVB 5, the police report stated that he and his wife were arguing when she suddenly bit him on his arm and then grabbed a “crowbar/gasket cleaner and had struck him with it on his right hand/knuckle area.”
The sergeant who arrived on the scene saw an injury to his arm that was consistent with a bite wound. He also had “multiple open wounds on the knuckles.” O’Connell also told police officers that when he tried to leave, his wife jumped on his hood and dented the vehicle.
Police officers attempted to speak to Mayor O’Connell inside her house, but she refused to leave her room and denied knowledge of her husband’s injuries. Mr. O’Connell declined medical treatment for his injuries.
The mayor was charged with one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault and battery on a family member. She was arraigned on July 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Mayor O’Connell released a statement, saying she has been married for 27 years, and they are experiencing some challenges. She explained that they were “working through marital issues.” The mayor claimed her husband regretted calling the police.
Mr. O’Connell spoke to reporters outside the courtroom and apologized to his wife and the residents of his town for calling law enforcement, saying he made “a huge mistake.”
The mayor must return to court on September 12.
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