ASHLAND, Mass. — Ashland Police Chief Cara Rossi, who has been on paid administrative leave for the past two weeks, is scheduled to appear before a judge affiliated with the state Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission on Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. The reason for the hearing has not been disclosed. Town Manager Michael Herbert has also not provided an explanation for Rossi’s leave.
The preliminary hearing, presided over by retired Judge Judith Cowin, will involve discussions on resolution, discovery stipulations, and other matters in preparation for a hearing, according to the POST Commission.
The POST Commission, established as part of a state police reform law in 2020, focuses on inclusivity and building trust between members of law enforcement and the public. It sets standards for police training and certifications and has the authority to suspend officers.
Rossi’s attorney, Leah Marie Barrault, could not be reached for comment regarding the upcoming hearing.
If the preliminary hearing proceeds smoothly, the case will move forward to be heard by the entire commission.
Rossi became Ashland’s police chief in May 2022, after serving in the Natick Police Department for 28 years, with several years as a lieutenant.
Additionally, Rossi is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by a former Natick police dispatcher who was sexually assaulted by former Natick police Sgt. James Quilty. The lawsuit, filed last March in Norfolk County Superior Court, is still pending.
Quilty had his certification as a police officer in Massachusetts revoked by the POST Commission last year.
Rossi’s case number before the POST Commission is 2024-003-S, while Quilty’s case number was 2023-003-S.
Providing further updates on the case and other public safety news, Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. He can also be followed on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at Facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.