Probe finds ex-Falmouth police sergeant used marijuana, interfered with investigation

An internal investigation conducted by the Falmouth Police Department found a former sergeant violated departmental policy by using marijuana, intimidating a witness and interfering with proceedings, according to a report of the probe obtained by the Times.

Benjamin Guthrie, 50, was placed on administrative leave in February pending the results of the investigation, which was then being headed by the Massachusetts State Police as a criminal investigation. In a statement to the Times, Guthrie said the state police investigation was initiated by an "erroneous" allegation of domestic violence.

"There was a very in-depth and thorough investigation which included interviewing four adults that have lived and were currently residing in our home," Guthrie said. "The investigation concluded there was no credibility to the allegation and no criminal charges were sought."

Internal investigation begun by police

According to the report, the internal Falmouth police probe was triggered by an allegation Guthrie used marijuana and other substances “countless” times in the last year, which he denied on several occasions.

Despite submitting to a drug screening and testing negative for recent use, the report found evidence that “overwhelmingly supports a finding that Guthrie used marijuana and other prohibited items on multiple occasions in violation of (department) policy."

Guthrie said, in his statement, that he fully cooperated with the investigation and attributed the report's findings to witnesses who he described as not being credible.

"They failed to interview the other adults that lived in the home regarding any alleged drug use and only questioned them regarding the erroneous domestic violence allegations," he said. "I also offered to answer any additional questions they had, expressing that I didn’t feel I was able to explain myself well enough because of heightened emotions. The opportunity for clarification was denied."

Investigators also said Guthrie made several attempts to undermine the credibility of the investigating Falmouth police Capt. Brian Reid by texting Police Chief Jeffrey Lourie that he “didn’t trust Captain Reid.”

On a separate occasion, the report found Guthrie sent texts to an individual whose name was redacted, saying “you might want to think further before you call the State Police again.” Investigators said Guthrie’s actions are deemed witness intimidation.

The Falmouth and state police did not find probable cause to seek criminal charges against Guthrie.

Falmouth Town Counsel Maura O'Keefe said Guthrie retired from the Falmouth police department on March 23.

Guthrie said the investigation had "torn a family apart and cause irreparable damage" to him and his family.

"I no longer wanted to work for an agency that didn't support its officers against unsubstantiated allegations," Guthrie said in his statement. "I have been labelled as an untruthful, insubordinate officer by a department that had entrusted me to be a supervisor, a leader, as well as a trainer of new and veteran officers for over 20 years."

Walker Armstrong reports on all things Cape and Islands, primarily focusing on courts, transportation and the Joint Base Cape Cod military base. Contact him at WArmstrong@capecodonline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jd__walker.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Investigation found that ex-Falmouth sergeant had intimidated witness