Lawrence, MA- Police continue to pay the salary of convicted criminal and ex-police officer Daron Fraser.

LAWRENCE — In a city where street lights were shut off to save police jobs, a cop has been paid nearly $64,000 to stay off the job for more than a year.

Daron Fraser, 39, an 11-year officer, was convicted of domestic assault and battery six months ago and police Chief John Romero recommended almost immediately he wanted Fraser fired. But Mayor William Lantigua, who has the final say in the hiring and firing of police officers, has taken no action on Fraser's termination.

And nobody else, from city councilors to fellow police officers, seems to know why Fraser continues to be paid while he's off the job and convicted of a crime.

According to payroll and internal affairs records obtained through a public records request, Fraser hasn't worked since July 15, 2010 when he was arrested in Haverhill and placed on paid administrative leave. He was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend Feb. 9, 2011. From July 15, 2010 until July 15, 2011, Fraser collected $63,576 without working a day and $23,760 of that came following his February conviction.

Detective Alan Andrews, president the Lawrence patrolmen's union, said he has not spoken with Fraser recently and the union is not actively involved in discussions about his job. The patrolmen's contract does not require the city to continue paying an officer's salary when they are placed on administrative leave and found guilty of a crime.

After a two-day trial, Fraser was found guilty of putting his knee on his former girlfriend's throat and gagging her. At the time, Fraser's girlfriend, Odris Severino, told The Eagle-Tribune this was not a case of domestic violence, rather a "giant misunderstanding." She also testified in court that she and Fraser were "just playing."

The six-member jury took 45 minutes to find Fraser guilty of the misdemeanor charge.

Link:
http://www.eagletribune.com/local/x1533028983/Cop-paid-to-stay-off-the-streets