Methuen Police Chief To Retire Amid State Investigation: Report

METHUEN, MA — Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon is stepping down following a state inspector general report on exorbitant police contracts.

Solomon, who was put on leave following the release of the report, is also facing a Civil Service Commission investigation into hirings and promotions, the Boston Globe reported Monday.

Solomon makes more than $300,000 a year, making him one of the highest-paid police officers in the country. He is accused of handing out jobs and promotions to favored candidates after the $300,000 was approved, the Globe reported.

The contract dates to 2017, under former mayor Stephen Zanni. It was accompanied by even larger contracts for other members of the department's top brass, leading to a faceoff with subsequent mayor James Jajuga that nearly cost dozens of police officers their jobs in 2019.

In Aug. 2020, the city council voted no confidence in Solomon when he refused to take unpaid days off to help the city balance its budget amid coronavirus-related revenue shortfalls.

The inspector general report came in December following the Globe investigation.

Solomon, who has run the department for nearly two decades, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

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