STONEHAM — The following is a statement from Stoneham Police Chief James O’Connor:
“The Stoneham Police Department is aware that former Officer Joseph Ponzo has pleaded guilty to several federal charges involving illegal activities related to outside business ventures, which were entirely unrelated to Town funds or his employment with the department. Mr. Ponzo was sentenced on Friday, Feb. 28.
“Mr. Ponzo was placed on administrative leave on April 29, 2022, following his arrest on charges of bribery and fraud. On May 2, 2022, he was informed of his suspension without pay, pending the resolution of the felony charges. The following day, Mr. Ponzo resigned from the department.
“As law enforcement professionals, we are held to the highest standards of conduct and integrity. Our duty is to uphold the law, serve the public with honor, and act ethically both in and out of uniform. The actions of Mr. Ponzo are a clear violation of those principles and do not reflect the values of the Stoneham Police Department.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division in Boston for their diligent and professional efforts in ensuring justice in this matter.”
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