MA State Trooper Relieved Of Duty After Domestic Assault Charges

WRENTHAM, MA —Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Atton was arrested late Saturday night on domestic assault charges and is off the job while awaiting an internal investigation.

Atton, 34 of Wrentham appeared in court Monday, accused of grabbing his wife by the arms, forcing them behind her back and throwing her to the ground Saturday afternoon. Police say Atton pleaded not guilty to these charges.

Wrentham police arrived to Ledgeview Way, an apartment complex off of Route 1, after receiving reports of a woman falling out of her chair in a pool area. Police say when they found her, an officer noticed that she had multiple bruises and was apparently intoxicated.

During the dangerousness hearing, Wrentham Detective Sgt. James Barrett testified that Atton’s wife had bruises on her arms consistent with someone who had their arms put behind their back and other bruises on her legs according to the Boston Herald.

Barrett also explained that his wife told him Atton was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder and stopped taking his medications. The police report reads that, "She said when Michael was contacted by the Massachusetts State Police, he denied having any mental health conditions in order to obtain employment."

Massachusetts State Police say Atton has been freed on a $5,000 bail and is off the job until further notice, adding that he is due back in court on July 29.