Former Methuen Chief of Police Joseph Solomon Pleads Guilty, Sentenced

STATEMENT OF ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PAUL F. TUCKER

RE: GUILTY PLEA IN CASE OF FORMER METHUEN CHIEF OF POLICE JOSEPH SOLOMON

September 18, 2026

“In January of 2023, I became aware of conduct involving former Methuen Chief of Police Joseph Solomon using his position to hire Sean Fountain as a reserve-intermittent officer in violation of civil service law. After careful review of the evidence, my office made the decision to proceed with pursuing this case and worked diligently with the Attorney General’s Office to prosecute both Sean Fountain and Joseph Solomon for the roles that each played in deceiving the City of Methuen, the residents of Methuen, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

“As a former Chief of Police myself, and as the chief law enforcement officer of Essex County, let me be clear: misuse of any position of authority erodes the public’s trust and is unacceptable. My office will always seek to hold individuals accountable. The former Chief of Police pleading guilty to 17 charges along with a period of incarceration is a resolution that ensures accountability.”

“I wish to thank the Office of Attorney General Andrea Campbell, specifically Senior Trial Counsel Dean Mazzone, along with Essex County Assistant District Attorney and Special Assistant Attorney General Marina Moriarty, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to my office, and members of the Methuen Police Department for their work on this matter.”

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MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9779