BILLERICA — Chief Daniel Rosa reports that the Billerica Police Department, after an investigation, has filed criminal charges against a Billerica police officer in connection with an incident at the Billerica Elks Club.

A criminal complaint has been issued against JOHN HICKEY, AGE 47, a 19-year veteran of the police department on charges of assault and battery, and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (to wit: a shod foot). He has been on administrative leave since early this year, after the police department was made aware of an off-duty incident at the bar of the Billerica Elks Club in June 2013, in which HICKEY allegedly assaulted another man.

HICKEY is also facing administrative charges, and if he is found responsible, he may be terminated from the department.

“These allegations, if true, represent a violation of the public trust,” Chief Rosa said. “This alleged behavior is not what we expect from our public servants. We strive every day to earn the public’s trust, and this case was referred to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office when we learned of it.”

All further questions should be directed to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

These charges are allegations only and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

###