Attleboro Officer Criticized For Gun Licenses

An internal investigation has found that a former Attleboro police sergeant issued at least a dozen firearms licenses to "unqualified and potentially dangerous people" who were ineligible because they were guilty of felonies or had mental health or drug and alcohol problems.

According to The Sun Chronicle, which obtained the report through a Freedom of Information Act request, a machine gun license was granted to a man who had undergone alcohol abuse treatment.

The investigation concluded that Sgt. Michael McDonnell violated state law and demonstrated "a wanton and reckless disregard for the safety" of the community."

McDonnell was not penalized because he retired in November before the investigation ended. No charges have been filed.

His lawyer did not address the report, but says McDonnell's labor rights were violated.