Marshfield Police Chief Faces Board Review Over Resident Complaint, Receives No Action Vote
Chief Tavares appears before Select Board in public session to address allegations stemming from confrontation with local cable TV host Joe Pesevich over conspiracy claims
MARSHFIELD - June 30 - Marshfield Police Chief Phil Tavares appeared before the Select Board June 30 in a public session to address a complaint filed against him by resident Joe Pecevich, with the board ultimately voting 2-1 to take no action on the matter.
The complaint stems from Tavares contacting Pecevich about statements made on his cable TV show that were later posted to the Marshfield Forum, where 18,200 people could view them. Pesevich had alleged a conspiracy involving town officials, the police chief and the district attorney's office to politically arrest and prosecute him.
"This is about an elected town official spreading mistruth about conspiracies and accusing us of committing crimes," Tavares said during the meeting. "This isn't about me. I have 37 years of working for the town, unblemished, record of success, accommodations, never had any type of discipline, ever."
The controversy began when Pecevich made statements on his show claiming that "the people in power in Marshfield wanted to get Joe" and that town officials conspired with the DA's office for political prosecution. Tavares said he contacted Select Board Chair Eric Kelley about the allegations because they undermined public trust in the police department.
Kelley directed Tavares to contact Pecevich directly, which led to recorded and unrecorded phone conversations between the two men. During the unrecorded call, Tavares had two witnesses present, though Pecevich was not informed of their presence.
"I don't trust him because of his propensity to lie, so I protected myself and I had two other people present that witnessed the exact conversation," Tavares explained.
Select Board member Steve Darcy made the motion for no action, stating he believed Tavares deserved only a simple verbal warning that the matter should have been handled differently.
"You have a stellar career. And with that backing, I don't understand why it is turned into this," Darcy said. "I just think all department heads need to be aware that there's procedures in place, that when things come up, they need to be brought before the Select Board."
However, Tavares rejected this characterization as "completely unacceptable," emphasizing that the allegations involved criminal conspiracy claims that threatened the integrity of the police department.
The board also played a video excerpt from Pecevich’s show during the meeting, where he discussed his 2010 arrest and subsequent acquittal, claiming it was politically motivated.
Following that, the Board considered a reorganization placed on the agenda by a vote in the previous meeting. Select Board member Tricia Simpson supported keeping the current board organization intact, with Kelley remaining as chair. The board voted 2-1 to maintain the existing structure, with Darcy voting no, after Simpson argued that Kelley deserved the opportunity to continue learning and growing in the role.
"While he assumed the chair position earlier than expected in his tenure, I believe he deserves the opportunity to continue in that role," Simpson said. "As an educator, I work every day with individuals who are in the process of learning and growing."
Don Clark, a resident speaking in public comment said, "Eric, to me, you're a disgrace and I would like to see a recall." Consideration of a recall was echoed by the next speaker, resident Laurie Sweeney. She added, "you are 15 months into your term. So I disagree with Ms. Simpson. ‘Give him more time.’ That is half your term."
In other major business, the board voted to proclaim both June and July 2025 as Pride Month in Marshfield, making up for the delayed timing of the vote. The decision passed 2-0-1 with Kelley abstaining.
"LGBTQ youth in that 10- to 14-year-old age bracket, they're four times more likely to attempt suicide," Darcy said in support of the proclamation. "Having just one accepting adult in their life significantly reduces the rates of suicide attempts."
Simpson also supported the proclamation while acknowledging differing viewpoints in the community.
"I am proud to support Pride Proclamation. It sends a clear message that Marshfield values and respects all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation," she said.
The board approved hiring the UMass Boston Collins Center to assist in the town administrator search at a cost of $7,000 upfront and $7,000 upon completion. The search will include a citizen committee to vet candidates.
Other actions included:
• Approving $70,000 in opioid settlement fund grants to five local organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, Drug Story Theater, and Ventress Memorial Library
• Authorizing the formation of a playground committee to work on fundraising and maintenance for town playgrounds
• Setting fees for farmer's market alcoholic beverage permits at $100 annually for non-residents and $50 for residents
• Approving various licenses for the upcoming Levitate Music Festival
The board concluded the meeting by entering executive session to discuss pending litigation matters.