On April 20, 2020, members of the Stow Police Department in Stow, Massachusetts publicly stated they were “deeply disturbed, shocked and disgusted” by allegations made against their police chief, Ralph “Rusty” Marino. The department issued a statement that it would cooperate fully with state police and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office in any investigation of the chief or any other matters. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Marino voluntarily placed himself on indefinite administrative leave after meeting with representatives of the Massachusetts State Police. Sgt. Darren Thraen was named acting police chief. Town officials confirmed the board of selectmen planned to formalize the administrative leave at a subsequent meeting. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
A video posted online by a group known as Predator Poachers Massachusetts showed a confrontation between Marino and an activist who said he posed as an underage boy online to catch alleged child predators. The department said there was no reason to believe the activities being investigated involved the operations of the Stow Police Department. Authorities did not indicate whether charges had been filed against Marino at that time. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
