The Cop and the Midget Porn Star

A Stoughton, Mass police officer has resigned his job one month after receiving a commendation for his work in a murder investigation because he has a little problem with staying focused.  Here's the story from the  Gatehouse New Service and reporter Allan Stein:

"The Stoughton police chief says a decorated patrolman installed a laser sight on his service weapon against department policy, deserted his patrol to meet a woman billed as “the world’s smallest porn star,” then lied about it all in an internal investigation prompted by his peers.


Officer Richard P. Bennett, who just last month received a commendation for his work in a March murder case, has resigned rather than face disciplinary action, Police Chief Paul Shastany said.

'Momma told me there would be days like this,' Shastany said. 'We are not red-faced. In fact, I am pretty proud (other officers) stepped up.'

Bennett, 28, of Fall River, submitted his one-paragraph resignation letter to Town Manager Francis T. Crimmins on June 30. His resignation came 10 days after he made an on-duty, in-uniform visit during a graveyard shift to Club Alex’s Gentlemen’s Club, where 3-foot-9-inch adult-film star Bridget 'The Midget' Powers was making a guest appearance.

'He was insubordinate and left his section and drove over to Alex’s,' Shastany said.

Bennett did not radio other officers to alert them he was headed to the club, Shastany said; the department has a strict policy requiring officers to alert dispatch and team up with a partner any time they respond to the strip club.

Shastany said at least five officers alerted the administration of Bennett’s trip to the club.
Bennett was also investigated for a policy violation after his weapon misfired during a firearms recertification exercise. Shastany said officers discovered an unauthorized laser sight, which provides better target acquisition and greater accuracy. 'If you are going to modify your weapon, it has to be under the express permission of the police chief, in writing, and through the armory,' Shastany said. 'It is not an option for an officer to decide what will be carried and how it will be carried. I will decide that.'

Stoughton police Executive Officer Robert Devine said Bennett lied to officers investigating the matters internally. 'He lied during the course of the investigation. He made some statements, some fabrications during the course of the investigation, and the chief made it clear from day one, if anyone was untruthful, he wants their job.'

Shastany just last month presented Bennett with a letter of commendation for his superior performance during a murder investigation. Bennett was one of several officers credited with the arrest of an Attleboro man for the shooting death of 21-year-old Stephen Irving on March 16."
_____________________________
Sounds to me like Officer Bennet was not highly regarded by his peers.