LYNN — A Peabody police officer was arrested Wednesday morning after he allegedly broke into a home and refused to leave, according to the Essex District Attorney’s Office.
James Festa, a 13-year veteran of the department, was arrested by Lynn Police at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett’s office said in a statement. Festa is charged with breaking and entering in the daytime for felony placing a person in fear.
Festa was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Lynn District Court and held without bail pending the outcome of a dangerousness hearing, Blodgett’s office said. He is expected to return to court Thursday morning.
Peabody Police placed Festa on administrative leave with pay and Chief Tom Griffin ordered an internal investigation.
The incident remains under investigation by Lynn Police, Peabody Police, and Blodgett’s office.
Griffin could not be reached for comment on the arrest.
Charlie McKenna can be reached at [email protected].
