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Date: 4/6/2022
CHICOPEE – Superintendent of Schools Lynn Clark was arrested on April 6 for making false statements in connection with a federal investigation regarding Chicopee’s halted search for their Chief of Police position. The arrest comes after a review process from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Clark, who served as the city’s superintendent since 2019, will appear in federal court after being arrested at her Belchertown residence. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Office Joseph R. Bonavolonta made the official announcement on behalf of the United States Department of Justice.
According to the Department of Justice’s findings, law enforcement received a report on Dec. 3, 2021 detailing the situation. In the report, a candidate from the city’s Chief of Police application process said he received threats throughout November intending for the candidate to withdraw from the position. The candidate ultimately decided to withdraw his application, which further delayed Chicopee’s Chief of Police selection process.
The candidate allegedly received approximately 99 threatening messages sent from inauthentic phone numbers purchased through a mobile app. The Department of Justice concluded through phone and internet records that Clark purchased the phone numbers in question.
When questioned, Clark allegedly denied sending the messages on multiple occasions. Clark initially suggested that the messages could have been sent by other city employees, the candidate’s colleagues or a member of Clark’s own family before admitting she sent the messages.
A charge for false statements can lead to a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
In response to the news, Mayor John Vieau issued an official statement.
“This morning, Superintendent of Schools, Lynn Clark was charged and for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Mayor’s Office is aware of the situation, and we are working to ensure that School Department operations continue smoothly through this transition as the education of children remains paramount.”
Vieau continued, “Today’s arrest is disheartening for the City of Chicopee. The School Committee will meet tonight in executive session to decide on a proper course of action.”