Manchester-by-the-Sea Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Assault, Gun Charges

The Manchester-by-the-Sea sergeant arrested on domestic assault and gun charges in Beverly pleaded guilty at Salem District Court last week, the Salem News reported.

54-year-old John 'Jay' Swallow pleaded guilty to assault and gun charges, and was sentenced to serve six months of a two-year jail sentence, the outlet said.

On Oct. 27, Beverly Police responded to Devon Avenue around midnight, on report of a domestic disturbance involving a shot fired from a gun. 

The victim told police an argument had escalated to the point where Swallow left the room and returned with a silver Ruger hand gun, and threatened to shoot her and the family dog. 

In court, the victim said the argument started when she told him she had decided to testify against him in an investigation in New Hampshire involving sexual abuse allegations, the outlet reported.

At Salem District Court, the Salem News reported the victim made an impact statement, where she 'lambasted' Beverly Police for leaving her alone for more than two hours while they searched the house for guns.

Read the full story in the Salem News.