Gloucester Police Chief Recognized by White House is Fired

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts police chief who was honored by the White House for his work battling heroin addiction but later was accused of misleading investigators looking into allegations of improper behavior with at least two women has been fired.

Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said Monday she's lost confidence in Chief Leonard Campanello. She says Campanello destroyed cellphone evidence and took other steps to deceive investigators.

Campanello's lawyers call the investigation a "witch hunt" and the firing unjustified.
Campanello was placed on administrative leave last month.

The mayor launched probes into the police department, Campanello and another officer. She says the city's pioneering ANGEL program will continue without Campanello.

Campanello gained national recognition last year for launching the program, which helps connect heroin addicts with drug treatment. The program has been replicated across the country.