Suffolk probation director gets 10-day suspension

Suffolk probation director John Desmond was hit with a 10-day suspension, without pay, recently from County Executive Steve Levy for improperly urging the early release of sexual offenders last spring, according to Levy aides.

But Laura Ahearn, a victim right's advocate who first publicly complained about the issue, said Levy's response is not strong enough and Desmond should be removed as head of the $42.7-million-a-year agency and placed in a less sensitive post.

Desmond, a 38-year department veteran who has headed probation since 2004, was suspended Oct. 11-22, which will cost him $5,070. Desmond, who makes $132,000 annually, acknowledged the suspension for "administrative failure in the court discharge of five sexual offenders" while testifying at a legislative budget hearing Wednesday, a day before the discipline was to end. He later declined to comment further.

In a statement, Levy spokesman Mark Smith said the department "violated county policy and common sense" last spring by recommending to a judge the early release of the sex offenders. He said it was a move "done without the knowledge of the executive office" and the practice was "immediately ordered" to end.

"The county executive demands accountability and when asked who should accept responsibility, director Desmond said he would," Smith said. However, the comptroller's spokesman said they had not received any notice that pay should be withheld from the two-week pay period ending Oct. 17.

Ahearn, executive director of Parents of Megan's Law and Crime Victims Center, raised concerns last June before a legislative committee after hearing reports that probation was urging judges to release as many as 15 sex offenders from supervision early. "It was a complete outrage," said Ahearn, adding the move violates state guidelines and county policy.

"The community works very hard to get convictions and recidivism is reduced when offenders are carefully monitored," Ahearn said.

Levy's action "sends a message" that Desmond's move was unacceptable, she said. But Ahearn added allowing Desmond to remain means sex offenders are "not being taken seriously" by the department.

Legis. Jack Eddington (I-Medford) public safety committee chairman, said Desmond is being made a "fall guy" for failed Levy budget policies, adding commissioners "don't do anything" without getting Levy's prior approval.