LYNN — Seven officers in the Lynn Police Department are the subject of an internal investigation for off-duty drug use.
The investigation was triggered when one officer was arrested in Salem on a warrant for domestic violence based on text messages he sent to the victim. Although those charges were dropped, the officer’s text messages and emails were inspected and revealed a group chat with the other six officers where they discussed cocaine and steroid use. In addition, the officers had made statements using racial slurs.
Acting Police Chief Lenny Desmarais acknowledged the use of racial language between two officers in a private text conversation. However, “In the course of our continuing investigation, we have not found anything concerning or intending violence against Black people.”
Desmarais said several officers have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
The identities of the seven officers involved were not disclosed.
“The Lynn Police Department has spoken to the Essex County District Attorney’s office regarding the matter and will conduct a transparent investigation into the conduct,” a statement from the department said.
Carrie Kimball, a spokeswoman for the Essex County District Attorney’s office, said the office was not currently investigating any misconduct within the department.
