LYNN — The seven police officers who are being investigated for alleged illegal use of drugs and inappropriate language have been identified by the Essex District Attorney’s office.
The officers are Michael Chalmers, John Clem III, Shane Melisi, Jonathan Mills, Joseph Plessas, Joseph Ricupero, and Dante Vinciarelli.
A document from the DA’s office, obtained by the Item, lists the officers’ names under the heading, “disclosure regarding initiation of investigation into members of the Lynn Police Department.”
The officers have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, effective April 15.
Plessas, 28, was arrested in Salem on December 3 for domestic violence on a pregnant victim. While the charges for that incident were dropped on April 12 due to lack of evidence, the investigation revealed text messages with other officers discussing the use of cocaine and steroids, as well as a private conversation between two officers where racial slurs were used. It is unclear at this time which two officers used slurs.
The DA’s office provided this evidence to the Lynn Police Department on April 13. The case is being investigated by the department’s Professional Standards Division.
Acting Chief Lenny Desmarais declined to comment, citing it being an ongoing investigation. DA spokeswoman Carrie Kimball also could not comment.
