CHELMSFORD DARE OFFICER INVESTIGATED IN $20G THEFT

CHELMSFORD -- The police officer who headed the town's DARE program is
under investigation for the alleged theft of as much as $20,000 in Police
Department funds, sources said yesterday.

Police Chief Raymond McCusker confirmed that police have launched an
investigation into Officer Mike Horan, who has been placed on paid
administrative leave. But McCusker declined to comment on the nature of the
inquiry.

"I don't discuss personnel issues," McCusker said. "When and if we can
discuss it, we will."

However, sources said the Police Department is investigating charges that
Horan stole money from the DARE, anti-drug program and possibly from other
programs.

A source close to the situation said the theft may have occurred over a
period of months, and Horan appears to be the only officer involved.

McCusker said an internal investigation led to Horan being placed on leave
Nov. 18. He added that the Middlesex District Attorney's office was
consulted early in the investigation, but is not currently involved. DA
spokesman Seth Horwitz said he believed that statement to be accurate.

Horan has been a Chelmsford police officer for nearly five years, and has
run the anti-drug program at the McCarthy and Parker middle schools for the
last three.

Town Manager Bernard Lynch said he has been consulting with McCusker on the
matter, but also declined to go into specifics.

"We need to get more information," he said. "That's why the investigation
is ongoing."

Horan could not be located for comment.