Needham Police Chief, Officers Accused Of Racial Profiling

NEEDHAM, MA — Needham Police Chief John Schlittler and three Needham Police Officers are being accused of racial profiling during an incident back in January — the attorney representing the man in the incident claims the officers violated their client's Fourth Amendment right by conducting an unlawful search and seizure.

On January 25 the man, identified as Marvin Henry, had entered a CVS and bought cough drops and an iced tea but was handcuffed by police when he went to his car in the parking lot, according to Henry's attorney. Henry is a Black man.

A letter from Henry's lawyer was obtained by the Needham Times and says Henry was detained for more than half an hour as a suspected shoplifter — he was not read his Miranda rights, told why he was being detained or given an explanation, the attorney said.

Needham Public Information Officer Cyndi Roy Gonzalez issued a statement on the allegations saying the town is investigating the incident, which was brought to officials attention in the letter recieved Monday afternoon.

"While we are still reviewing the many facts alleged in this case, one thing the Town has determined is that the Police Chief was not on the scene during this incident. Given the magnitude of what is alleged to have occurred, it is critical that the record be corrected to reflect that fact. The Town takes seriously all allegations contained in the letter.

Given current tensions and heightened awareness around issues of race and discrimination and policing, it is particularly imperative that we fully understand the facts before coming to any conclusions. The Town will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and asks that the community withhold judgement until that investigation is complete."

Read more about this story at the Needham Times.