PEABODY — Three weeks after a Peabody police sergeant was charged with assaulting his girlfriend, detectives allege he violated a restraining order and is being held without bail.
Brendan O’Brien of Peabody was arraigned for a second time at Salem District Court Monday. The Essex County District Attorney alleged he changed his name on Facebook to Brian Smith and liked a Facebook message posted by his former girlfriend, a violation of a protection order.
The message said “Welcome Back Josh Gordon,” a reference to the New England Patriots receiver Josh Gordon who returned to action with the New England Patriots.
The former girlfriend noticed the picture of Smith was the same as O’Brien’s and filed a complaint in person at the police station.
In an interview with police on Friday, O’Brien denied he had been on Facebook, police said.
“No, not that I know of, I swear,” he told investigators, according to the police report.
Police said he admitted to changing his name to Smith online, was arrested and taken to jail. He is being held at the Essex County House of Correction.
The story was first reported in The Salem News.
Kenneth Anderson, the Boston attorney who represents O’Brien, did not return a call seeking comment.
Last month, O’Brien was arrested following a domestic dispute with his then girlfriend and charged with strangulation and assault and battery on an intimate partner. He faces up to 7½ years in prison if convicted. He pleaded not guilty.
O’Brien joined the force in 2007 and was promoted to sergeant in 2015. He has been placed on paid leave. He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 4.
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected].
