SPRNIGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Former Chicopee Superintendent Lynn Clark was arraigned Wednesday after she was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Clark’s attorney, Jared Olanoff, told 22News that she pled not guilty and denies these allegations against her that she lied to FBI investigators.
“We are going to have to determine whether that evidence was taken constitutionally, whether the search warrants were valid, whether any consent she may have given was valid and make some difficult decisions down the road,” said Clark’s attorney.
Charges of making false statements each can carry up to five years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000.
The 51-year-old from Belchertown was indicted on two charges of making false statement in connection with sending 99 threatening messages to a candidate for Chicopee Police Chief. Charges of making false statements each can carry up to five years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000.
Olanoff addressed the media earlier this month stating she denies lying to investigators and the way the FBI arrested her was unnecessary. Olanoff said they have not seen the evidence at this time and she has submitted her cell phone and computers to the FBI.
“The text messages are not the crime here. The alleged offense is a false statement and that she denies,” said Olanoff. He specifically mentioned an allegation that Clark claimed her son sent some of the messages, he said Clark denies that.
Clark was released from federal custody on standard conditions, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. She also cannot have contact with certain individuals, cannot drink alcohol to excess, and must report to Pretrial Services as directed.
In response to Clark’s initial arrest this month, the school committee put Clark on paid leave and asked her to step down. The Chicopee School Committee relieved Lynn Clark of her duties as superintendent on April 22, one day after she was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Mayor John Vieau issued the following statement stating, “The School Committee has taken action in accordance with Ms. Clark’s contract and she will no longer be carrying out responsibilities as Superintendent of the Chicopee Public Schools. The School Committee will, at its next meeting, consider the appointment of an Acting Superintendent for the remainder of the school year. In the meantime, our staff remains focused on teaching and learning and providing the best education possible for our students.”
On April 15, the City of Chicopee announced Captain Patrick Major as the next Chief of Police. Major will officially replace William Jebb, who retired last year after 34 years of service.
22News asked Chief Major for his thoughts on the selection process in the midst of the investigation, “I enjoyed going through this process. It was rigorous, it was difficult. Myself and Deputy Chief Gawron being two finalists and we went through it as a team basically and that’s what I’ll continue as Chief, is being a team member and working with our officers together.”
