🔥 Trending Stoughton Police Chief's Future Uncertain Amidst Leadership Dispute

The Stoughton Police Chief is James O'Connor. He was appointed as the permanent chief after serving as the acting chief ⁵.

Background of the Stoughton Police Chief Position

The role of Stoughton Police Chief has recently been a subject of significant public attention due to the circumstances surrounding the departure of the previous chief, Donna McNamara.

Donna McNamara's Tenure and Departure

Donna McNamara served as the Stoughton Police Chief and faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly following allegations against former officer Matthew Farwell in the high-profile Sandra Birchmore case ²⁸.

In July 2026, McNamara's attorney publicly criticized town leadership, alleging harassment against her by the town manager, Thomas Calter ¹. McNamara stated that she was replaced without a clear explanation and claimed the town was attempting to force her out ³⁶. Her lawyers have questioned the manner of her removal from the position ⁷.

Appointment of James O'Connor

Amidst this controversy, Deputy James O'Connor was initially appointed as the acting police chief ⁴. The town cited personnel privacy regarding the reasons for McNamara's departure, which occurred amidst scrutiny linked to a federal probe ⁴. Subsequently, O'Connor was appointed as the permanent chief of the Stoughton Police Department ⁵.