Rockland to Investigate Sewer Commissioner for Alleged Harassment
Select Board votes unanimously to retain independent investigator following multiple complaints
ROCKLAND, MA - September 10 - The Rockland Select Board voted unanimously to launch an investigation into allegations of discrimination and harassment against Sewer Commissioner Charles Heshion.
The decision came after multiple female employees and other individuals associated with the town filed complaints about Heshion's alleged misconduct.
Town Counsel John Clifford informed the board that the complaints trigger an obligation under Rockland's discriminatory harassment policy to conduct a thorough investigation.
"Our primary obligation when we receive complaints is not to make judgments or determinations as to whether or not those complaints are accurate," Clifford said. "Our primary obligation is to do a fair and thorough investigation."
The board authorized the Town Administrator to retain an independent investigator to review the allegations and report back to the Select Board.
Clifford emphasized the importance of an impartial investigation, stating, "I am recommending that we do find an independent investigator who has no prior ties to the town of Rockland. It will not be done by my firm. It will not be done by any employee of the town."
The attorney advised that the investigation be conducted in open session, rather than executive session, due to Heshion's status as an elected official.
Member John Ellard questioned the public naming of Heshion, asking, "Is it typical to name the person that's being investigated publicly like this?"
Clifford responded that while there is an option for executive session, he recommended open session given Heshion's elected position.
The board emphasized that the vote to investigate does not imply guilt. Member Michael O’Loughlin stated, "I'll make that motion just as long as everybody is aware that there is no presumption of guilt in this matter. This is simply to investigate the validity of whatever charges may have been brought forward."
According to Attorney Clifford, the investigation process will involve interviewing the complainants and providing Heshion with full details of the allegations. "Mr. Heshion will be fully advised of what the allegations are, and he will have a complete opportunity to respond to those allegations," Clifford said.
The town's discriminatory harassment policy is modeled after the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination policy and is similar to those used by most employers in the Commonwealth with more than 12 employees.
The Select Board's decision to investigate falls under their authority granted by the Town Charter to investigate any department.
Heshion had previously been investigated in 2021 and was found to have violated the state’s Open Meeting Law, deleted emails with residents, and acted abusively toward town officials and employees. He was re-elected in 2023.
As the investigation proceeds, town officials stress the importance of a fair and thorough process to address the allegations while respecting the rights of all parties involved.