Dedham Police Officer Charged As Accessory In Man's Kidnapping

A Dedham police officer is charged as an accessory in the January disappearance of a man who is presumed dead.

Prosecutors said 40-year-old Michael Schoener allegedly gave his police badge, handcuffs and an empty holster to the man believed to have masterminded the kidnapping of 37-year-old James Robertson.

Authorities say two men posing as law enforcement officers came to Robertson's Avon home and told him he needed to come with them for a probation drug test.

Prosecutors said Schoener loaned his equipment to 44-year-old James Feeney, and helped Feeney get Robertson's photo and probation record.

Schoener pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Dedham District Court. His bail was set at $5,000. He has been placed on leave.

Feeney has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and is held on $500,000 bail. Two others also have been charged.