2 police officers terminated after criminal investigation

MANCHESTER,  NH — Chief Nick Willard  released the following announcement:

The Manchester Police Department takes every accusation seriously while investigating all allegations made against our officers, and will hold those accountable who commit wrongdoing, as such, Chief Willard terminated two Manchester Police Officers today, Mr. Aaron Brown and Mr. Steven Cornacchia.

Mr. Brown, a former detective who had been employed by the City of Manchester Police Department since July of 2007, had been placed on paid administrative leave beginning February 20, 2018 until his termination today. A criminal investigation will be initiated into Mr. Brown’s actions. The department has consulted with both the Attorney General and County Attorney on this matter and will continue to do so.

Mr. Cornacchia has been employed by the City of Manchester Police Department since April, 2013.  Mr. Cornacchia was on paid Administrative from May 14, 2017 to May 16, 2017 until he was arrested for Conduct After an Accident, after which he was on unpaid administrative leave pending his court case.

The Manchester Police Department continues to strive for excellence while serving the citizens of Manchester each and every day. The men and women of the Manchester Police Department possess honor and integrity while upholding the laws of the State of New Hampshire. If any officer breaches the trust of our agency and more importantly, our community, we will always seek swift and immediate remedies.

Although the public has an understandable interest into their conduct, the agency is not at liberty to release any personnel information from the Internal Affairs investigation.  I can assure the community, however, we will continue to serve the citizens of the City of Manchester while providing the highest level of service by the most professional police officers in the Country.