The Middleton Select Board voted 4 to 0 this week to end Police Chief William Sampson’s employment when his contract expires June 30, 2027, Boston 25 News reported. Sampson, chief since 2021, is already suing the town and its town administrator, alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. His lawsuit says that one week after he returned from leave for an on-duty injury, the town administrator gave him an ultimatum: resign or accept a disciplinary improvement plan.
The suit was filed September 2, 2026, in Essex County Superior Court, The Salem News reported. It remains pending. The town has not commented on it, Boston 25 reported. The lawsuit’s claims are allegations, and no court has ruled on them.
What each side told the board
- The town. At a hearing earlier this week, an attorney for the town pointed to a communication breakdown and “an apathy in the execution of his duties,” Boston 25 reported.
- The chief. Sampson’s attorney said the chief had never before been disciplined or told he was the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action. He also said the improvement plan would have given the town administrator sole authority to evaluate the chief’s performance and decide whether his contract should be terminated, according to Boston 25.
What the lawsuit claims
According to The Salem News, Sampson’s complaint brings claims against the town for disability discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. It names Town Administrator Justin Sultzbach on a claim of interference and aiding and abetting, and asks for a declaratory judgment against both.
The law: Chapter 151B
The discrimination, retaliation and interference claims track Massachusetts’ anti-discrimination statute, G.L. c. 151B, § 4. We read the text at malegislature.gov.
- Disability. Paragraph 16 makes it unlawful for an employer to “dismiss from employment or refuse to hire, rehire or advance in employment or otherwise discriminate against, because of his handicap,” a qualified person “capable of performing the essential functions of the position involved with reasonable accommodation,” unless the accommodation would impose “an undue hardship.”
- Retaliation. Paragraph 4 bars any employer from discharging or otherwise discriminating against a person “because he has opposed any practices forbidden under this chapter” or “has filed a complaint, testified or assisted in any proceeding.”
- Interference. Paragraph 4A makes it unlawful for “any person” to “coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with another person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right” the chapter protects.
- Aiding and abetting. Paragraph 5 covers any person, “whether an employer or an employee or not,” who aids, abets, incites, compels or coerces a forbidden act.
- Getting to court. Under G.L. c. 151B, § 9, a worker generally files first with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and may sue in Superior Court “at the expiration of ninety days after the filing of a complaint with the commission, or sooner if a commissioner assents in writing,” and no later than three years after the alleged unlawful act.
Whether this week’s vote becomes part of Sampson’s case is for the court and the parties. The retaliation paragraph applies to adverse actions taken because someone opposed discrimination or filed a complaint. The town says its reasons are his job performance.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Middleton police chief fired?
Not immediately. The Select Board voted 4 to 0 to end Chief William Sampson’s employment when his contract expires on June 30, 2027, according to Boston 25 News.
Why is the Middleton police chief suing the town?
Sampson’s lawsuit, filed September 2, 2026, in Essex County Superior Court, alleges disability discrimination, retaliation and breach of contract. It says the town administrator gave him an ultimatum to resign or accept a disciplinary improvement plan a week after he returned from leave for an on-duty injury.
Sources: Boston 25 News, October 30, 2026; The Salem News. G.L. c. 151B, §§ 4 and 9, read at malegislature.gov. The lawsuit’s claims are allegations. General information, not legal advice.