Dante DiFronzo

By Jim Clark

According to a report published in The Boston Globe, a Somerville Police Department detective has been let go by the city over a 2015 incident in which the officer, Dante DiFronzo, allegedly aided a drug dealer in finding his rival, which led to a near fatal stabbing.

The termination followed a disciplinary hearing conducted by the department which examined DiFronzo’s involvement in the incident. According to the findings, an informant used by the by the detective broke into the home of a man who allegedly stole marijuana from the dealer, at which time the assault occurred.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone publicly announced the firing by issuing the following statement on Wednesday: “After reviewing the findings of fact from the public hearing on Somerville Police Officer Dante Difronzo’s documented actions, Officer DiFronzo is no longer employed by the Somerville Police Department. The residents of Somerville must have confidence that the sworn men and women of the Somerville Police Department will not only protect public safety but also discharge their duties with the utmost integrity. We are deeply proud of the excellence in service, honor, and dedication of the Somerville Police force. As Mayor, I have a duty to maintain that excellence by holding accountable officers who violate the Department’s standards of conduct.”

Following the dismissal, DiFronzo’s lawyer said that he felt the hearing process was biased and that the decision will be appealed for arbitration.

DiFronzo went on paid administrative leave in 2016 pending results from the investigation.