DA, Police Investigated Fahey, Found Conduct Was Not Criminal

ANDOVER, MA — County prosecutors and state police investigated allegations regarding Bill Fahey and found they "did not rise to the level of criminal conduct," an official confirmed.

District attorney's spokeswoman Carrie Kimball confirmed that Andover police referred allegations against the former Andover Youth Services director to the Essex County District Attorney's Office, as first reported by the Eagle-Tribune.

Andover police spokesman Lt. Edward Guy called the allegations "very concerning."

"The Andover Police Department had been notified several months ago of alleged incident(s) that were very concerning involving Mr. Fahey as Director of Andover Youth Services," Guy said. "This incident(s) had occurred some time ago."

The police immediately referred the complaint to the district attorney because Fahey is a town employee, Guy said.

The allegations were then referred to the town following the district attorney's investigation.

The town hired an independent investigator, then fired Fahey on May 10 after receiving the investigator's findings.

"The basis for my decision relating to Mr. Fahey's employment was the findings by an independent investigator of conduct that could compromise the best interests of some program participants," Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said in a statement. "As Town Manager, I have no greater responsibility than protecting kids and residents."

Officials have not shared any detail on the nature of the allegations.

"I cannot share any further information about the referral or the allegations," Kimball said.

Faced with a public outcry from supporters of Fahey, Flanagan said at a Select Board meeting that he could not share details without violating the privacy of third parties.

"Mr. Fahey is not the only person whose private information would be impacted by the release" of the report, he said. "I cannot legally or in good conscience release the report."

Dozens spoke in Fahey's favor during a two-hour public comment period at the May 17 meeting.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.