Gloucester Police Chief on Leave in Ongoing Internal Investigation

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts police chief who was honored at the White House for his work battling opioid addiction has been placed on paid leave pending the completion of an internal city investigation.

Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken announced Tuesday that Chief Leonard Campanello was put on indefinite leave, but did not disclose what initiated the investigation.

Campanello tells The Gloucester Daily Times he is "unconcerned" and is cooperating fully because he has done nothing wrong in his personal or professional life.

Campanello was honored in Washington as a "Champion of Change" in April for his work with the angel program, which seeks to help addicts rather than incarcerate them.

Under the program, addicts can walk into the police station with drug paraphernalia and ask for help without fear of facing criminal charges.