Weare said to launch internal investigation into secretary’s claims

Officials in Weare are reportedly launching an internal investigation into abuse claims made against newly resigned police chief John Velleca by his former secretary and brief romantic partner.

An attorney for the secretary, Jennifer Posteraro, said the town’s lawyer notified him Saturday that it has retained former Plymouth police chief Tony Raymond to conduct the review. Posteraro has been on paid administrative leave since September, when she accused Velleca of assaulting her at her Hillsboro home. She will remain on leave pending the review, said her attorney, Benjamin King.

Mark Broth, the town’s lawyer, said he was unable to comment due to potential personnel issues.

Velleca resigned earlier this month, immediately after the attorney general’s office announced the results of its own investigation into the claims. The office criticized Velleca’s behavior, but said there was no clear evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Deputy Chief Sean Kelly has been managing the police department since Velleca’s departure.