A Chelmsford police lieutenant was indicted Tuesday after prosecutors say he instructed a subordinate officer not to charge a man accused of driving under the influence because he worked in law enforcement.
Francis Goode Jr., 54, is charged with tampering with a record for use in an official proceeding, intimidation of a witness and violating the standards of conduct as a public employee, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said.
On March 16, 2024, a North Reading man was pulled over after nearly hitting a patrol officer head-on in Chelmsford Center. The man, Michael Caprigno, 42, showed signs of intoxication, leading officers to place him under arrest, Ryan’s office said in a statement.
At that point, prosecutors say, Caprigno became hostile and told officers he was employed by the Suffolk County Sheriff. Caprigno told police they would regret it if they arrested him, Ryan’s office said.
Caprigno was taken back to the police station, where the arresting officer was met by Goode. While Goode and Caprigno were in the booking area, Caprigno again mentioned his employment at the sheriff’s office and sought to be released, according to the statement.
After that conversation, prosecutors say Goode instructed the arresting officer to write a citation for a marked lanes violation and to take no further steps related to the arrest. Goode also told the officer not to discuss the arrest with anyone, according to the statement.
Caprigno was not booked at the time but was indicted Tuesday on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol and a violation of the standards of conduct as a public employee.
No arraignment dates have been set for Caprigno or Goode.
The incident “came to the attention” of the Chelmsford Police chief in December 2024, at which point it was referred to Ryan’s office.
“Employment as a member of law enforcement does not include being allowed to escape responsibility for breaking the law as a professional courtesy,” Ryan said in the statement. “The offenses which underlie today’s indictments stand in direct contradiction to the very oath which police officers are sworn to uphold. We must ensure that everyone is held to accountability equally, regardless of their occupation.”
