DEBT-BURDENED COP CHARGED WITH LOOTING CHELMSFORD DARE

A Chelmsford police officer accused of stealing $20,000 from the town's
DARE program to pay gambling and child-support debts was released on $5,000
bail yesterday after pleading innocent to nearly 20 criminal charges.

Michael Horan, 30, a police officer in Chelmsford for nearly five years,
faces 10 counts of embezzlement by a municipal officer, seven counts of
larceny over $250 and two counts of larceny under $250.

"Everyone here has been affected," said Chelmsford police Lt. Jim Murphy.
"It's a black mark, but we'll get past it."

Horan is accused of stealing up to $20,000 from the town's DARE program,
which he ran for the past three years, authorities said.

Prosecutors said Horan was prompted by financial difficulties caused by
gambling, child-support and loan debts.

Murphy said Horan's fellow officers took his indictment hard.

"They're all hard-working, honest, truthful officers," he said.

Horan was relieved of his duties in November after Chelmsford police
initiated an investigation into the missing funds, Murphy said.

Horan was subsequently indicted and arraigned yesterday in Middlesex
Superior Court in Cambridge.

"Police officers should be held to a higher standard," said Murphy.

"We are in a position of trust, especially a DARE officer who works with
children."