Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Police say marijuana found in Newton Fire Chief LaCroix's car belongs to grandson

The marijuana found in Newton Fire Chief Joseph LaCroix city-owned car last week belonged to the chief's grandson, according to Marlborough Police.

“There is no doubt in our mind as to who this belonged to,” said Captain Paul Valianti, after concluding the investigation, Tuesday. “Chief LaCroix was never suspected to have possessed this [with the intention of using it.]”

LaCroix’s grandson, 19-year-old Sean LaCroix, who lives with his grandparents, admitted to Marlborough police that the small amount of marijuana was his. Marlborough police have not determined whether charges will be filed.

The marijuana was found in the LaCroix’s home and, instead of dispensing it there, the fire chief and his wife chose to hold onto it to approach their grandson later.

LaCroix’s wife asked that it be removed from her home. LaCroix instructed her to place it in her car, but she thought he said to put it in his, according to Valianti. The marijuana was placed in the city’s car unbeknownst to the chief and was later discovered by a handful of Newton firefighters.