Published in the January 23, 2018 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Town officials said they will closely monitor court proceedings involving Fire Capt. Christopher J. Smith, who has been accused of indecent assault on a 19-year-old woman at his Wakefield home.
Smith has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Yesterday afternoon, Fire Chief Michael Sullivan issued a very brief statement:
“Wakefield Fire Captain Christopher J. Smith has been placed on paid administrative leave, consistent with our collective bargaining agreement, after the Wakefield Fire Department was notified by the Wakefield Police Department of an alleged incident that occurred when Captain Smith was not on duty.
“Captain Smith has been employed by the Wakefield Fire Department for 22 years. He will remain on leave pending the outcome of this incident and a review by the Wakefield Fire Department and the Town of Wakefield.
“For legal reasons, I am prohibited from discussing this matter further.”
According to a news report, the alleged incident happened in December 2015 at a Christmas party at Smith’s home in Wakefield. Citing court paperwork, the report states that Smith was drinking and made a cocktail for the underage victim. The victim allegedly told police that Smith grabbed her behind and slid his hand between her legs. Court paperwork also alleges that Smith put his finger in her mouth and stuck his hand down her shirt. He was not on duty at the time.
The report also states police interviewed Smith in September 2017, where they said he admitted to some but not all of the claims, saying, “It was playful.” He has not been arrested, police said.
Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio said today that officials will be following the court proceedings involving these allegations very carefully.
Smith is scheduled to be arraigned in Malden District Court tomorrow.
