State Troopers Suspended Following Weapons Transfer
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Three Massachusetts State Police troopers have been suspended without pay following an investigation into the transfer of surplus weapons to a state-authorized vendor.
Department spokesman David Procopio says the two troopers and one lieutenant had been assigned to the department's armory in New Braintree.
The troopers were not identified and it's unclear what aspect of the transfer triggered the investigation. Procopio says the investigation concerns a "limited number" of surplus weapons.
The armory in Central Mass. is where all the weapons the state buys for troopers first arrive. They're cataloged and maintained there. When a weapon is issued to a trooper, officials there keep records of it, including serial numbers matched with names, and the history of each weapon. It's also where surplus weapons and parts are stored. Because of what's there, it's meant to be under heavy security, highly organized, and highly controlled.
Attorney General Maura Healey is also looking into exactly what kind of so-called transfer occurred, whether it involved the exchange of money, personal favors, or anything else.
The Attorney General's office will determine if the allegations rise to the level of a criminal offense.
The troopers have been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the case.
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