Waltham Police Chief Guilty for Assault on Wife

CONCORD – Thomas LaCroix, the Waltham police chief currently on administrative leave, was found guilty today for charges stemming from an assault on his wife in 2012, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced today.

Thomas LaCroix, 50, of Maynard, was found guilty by a Concord District Court jury for charges of assault and battery (two counts) following a five day jury trial.  The jury found the defendant not guilty on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault, and threatening to commit a crime (two counts).

Concord District Court Judge Elizabeth Cremens scheduled sentencing for July 10 at 9 a.m.  Until sentencing, the defendant is required to check in daily with probation, consume no alcohol, and submit to random screenings.

“This case shows that tragically, anyone can be the victim of domestic violence, even at the hands of someone who has worked to protect and serve the public,” District Attorney Ryan said.  “We urge anyone who is the victim of domestic violence to seek help, support, and utilize all of the resources available to them.  No one should ever feel threatened in their home or be afraid to confront their abuser because he or she is in a powerful position.”

On June 12, 2012, LaCroix assaulted his wife in their home in Maynard following an argument that had begun earlier that morning.  The defendant took his wife’s cell phone while continue to verbal abuse her and physically assaulted her, striking her in the face.  The wife fled the home and drove a friend’s home near by, where she was crying and evidencing a swollen lip. 

The victim and her friend went to the Maynard Police station, but the victim declined to file a report because her husband is the police chief in the town of Waltham.  The victim and her friend returned to the LaCroix home, as the victim wanted to retrieve her purse and other personal items she had left behind when she fled the home earlier that evening.

Upon arriving at the home, the two women were confronted by LaCroix and the assault continued, culminating in the defendant grabbing his wife, picking her up, and throwing her into a bike rack hanging on the wall of the garage.  The two victims then ran out of the garage and into the friend’s car and drove away.

The following morning, the defendant’s wife was treated and released from Newton-Wellesley Hospital.  The defendant called his wife numerous times that morning and threatened to kill the victim’s cat in front of a one of her co-workers.  On June 14, 2012, the defendant was arrested at his home by Maynard Police.   

The case was investigated by the Maynard Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Suzanne Kontz and Sarah Affel.  The Victim Witness Advocate was Kristen D’Agnelli.