Todino Investigation Complete

By: Michael C. Bailey
Published: 10/02/09

Rodney C. Collins, chief of the Mashpee Police Department, has completed his investigation into allegations concerning Deputy Chief Albert E. Todino.

Chief Collins launched the internal investigation last week, after allegations surfaced that Deputy Chief Todino had stolen a firearm from the department. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation, which the chief conducted personally. Chief Collins did not comment on his findings as the case is still open.

Jeremy M. Carter of the Hyannis-based law firm of Wilkins and DeYoung is representing Deputy Chief Todino. “We believe that Mr. Todino has done nothing wrong,” he said, “and we’re confident that through this investigation it will be shown that this is just a misunderstanding.”

The next step in the process would be to conduct a disciplinary hearing, which may, at Deputy Chief Todino’s discretion, be public. Mr. Carter said it was his hope “that this is resolved before we reach a hearing, and I think both sides are working toward that goal.” But if a hearing does happen, he would recommend to Deputy Chief Todino that it not be public.

The claim that launched the inquiry came from Paul A. Coronella, a former Mashpee police officer who was fired from the department in 2004. A patrolman with the MPD for 10 years, Mr. Coronella was fired after an internal investigation revealed that he had engaged in unprofessional and illegal activities while on duty.

A report filed with the department stated that there was sufficient evidence to support claims that Mr. Coronella had sex with women in his cruiser, confiscated alcohol and marijuana from suspects for personal use, provided an unauthorized person with confidential criminal record information, and intimidated women with whom he was having extramarital affairs.

He appealed the termination, but it was upheld in 2006 following a Massachusetts Civil Service Commission hearing.

According to Mr. Carter, Deputy Chief Todino conducted Mr. Coronella’s disciplinary hearing, but he would not speculate as to whether that was a factor in Mr. Coronella’s decision to come forward with his information.

It is also unknown how Mr. Coronella learned about the alleged stolen gun, which had been in the possession of Deputy Chief Todino’s estranged wife Teresa prior to its recovery. The Todinos are in the process of divorcing.

For additional details, see the October 2 edition of The Mashpee Enterprise.