Norfolk DA Office (NCDAO) email production (FOIA)

Items of note in this production

09/23/2022

NDAO's public "no prosecutable case" statement

Traub's official statement to three outlets: "investigation to date has not developed a prosecutable statutory rape case against any individual." Sent to GBH, Boston 25, and the Globe in a single coordinated response.

02/10/2022

SPR21/3034 in-camera determination

After a closed inspection, Supervisor Rebecca Murray upholds NDAO's withholding. Stoughton IA investigation, still described as active 11 months after Sandra's death, remains the legal shield for all records.

05/12/2021

Fanning asks if tox covered "knockout" drugs

Fanning asked OCME if the standard panel would detect "roofies." OCME explained that a specific drug must be ordered separately. No record in this production that such a test was ever requested.

03/31/2021

Globe PRR denied the day it was filed

The first formal Crimaldi PRR was denied the same day it was filed. A denial chain running through SPR21/0846, SPR21/2185, SPR21/2518, and SPR21/3034, four SPR appeals, followed before records began releasing in 2022.

Act 1 · OCME Coordination, DNA, First Records Request / Feb – Aug 2021

02/04/2021

Fanning Briefs NDAO Leadership on the Case

Fanning briefs DA Morrissey, ADA Beland, and spokesman Traub. Characterization: "more investigative work needed." Sandra described in internal notes as a teacher from Sharon. NCDAO FOIA

02/09/2021

Fanning Contacts OCME: DNA Interest

Fanning contacts OCME to arrange a call with Dr. Capo Martinez regarding "some issues that came up." Specific interest in DNA. NCDAO FOIA

02/17/2021

Sandra's Cousin Finds Letters and Notebooks: Then Hands Them to an Attorney

Dunne reports: Sandra's cousin found letters and notebooks at the Stoughton family home, initially offered to bring them to Dunne, then called back and gave them to an attorney instead. NCDAO FOIA

02/24/2021

Fanning's Final Request to OCME Before Body Released

Fanning tells OCME what they are looking for before Sandra's body is released to the family. Content and OCME's response both redacted in full. NCDAO FOIAFully redacted

03/2021

DNA Lab Coordination; MSP Can't Do Testing: Transfer to Bodie Labs

MSP Crime Lab forensic scientist Waite asks Dunne and Fanning what specific DNA testing they want "in light of the results I gave to Trooper Dunne yesterday." MSP cannot perform the requested testing; Fanning to facilitate transfer "likely to Bodie Labs." Case number assigned: 2021–112–0039. NCDAO FOIA

03/13/2021

OCME Photos: "Horrible Pics"

Internal exchange between Fanning and ADA Mattaliano regarding the scene photographs from OCME. Mattaliano: "At least they seem to be fine with DNA." NCDAO FOIA

03/16/2021

OCME Confirms Blood Tube Chain of Custody

OCME confirms grey-top blood tube exists with other items [redacted]; Fanning to coordinate lab transfer. Associated case reference: Sandra Birchmore / 2021–2032. NCDAO FOIAItems redacted

05/12/2021

Fanning Asks OCME Whether Tox Panel Covered "Knockout" Drugs

Fanning asks OCME whether the standard tox panel would detect drugs that could "knock someone out", specifically naming "roofies" (flunitrazepam/GHB). OCME (Kelly) explains: standard tox panel detects and quantifies a range of synthetic drugs, but a specific compound must be separately ordered and tested for individually. NCDAO FOIAFlagged

The standard tox report on Sandra Birchmore is back by this date. Fanning explicitly asked whether a GHB-type drug would appear. Kelly's answer was that it would not unless specifically ordered. No record in this production that a targeted GHB/flunitrazepam test was ever requested or run.

05/25/2021

Lab Results Forwarded

Lab results PDF forwarded Dunne to Fanning; Fanning confirms receipt. Attachment redacted in full in this production. NCDAO FOIARedacted

07/20 to 07/21/2021

Globe Asks for Update; Fanning Schedules NDAO Connect

Crimaldi asks Traub about the Birchmore report status. Traub: "Not time to submit yet." Separately, Fanning emails Beland, Morrissey, and Mattaliano to "connect on this case." NCDAO FOIA

08/06 to 08/20/2021

Globe Files Comprehensive PRR: Denied 14 Days Later

Globe (Crimaldi) files a formal PRR (2021–60) for all records concerning the Birchmore death investigation (08/06/2021). NDAO acknowledges receipt 08-09, citing a 10-business-day response window. Formal denial sent 08/20/2021: active investigation exemption (G.L. c. 4, §7(26)(f)). NCDAO FOIAExemption (f)

This denial (and a prior one on 03/31/2021) triggered a four-appeal chain: SPR21/0846 → SPR21/2185 → SPR21/2518 → SPR21/3034. The Supervisor of Records upheld NDAO's withholding each time. Records did not begin releasing until after Farwell's resignation in March 2022.

Act 2 · Globe PRR Battle & SPR Appeals / Aug – Dec 2021

08/16/2021

Brady Trigger: "Officer Matthew G. Farwell"

Monahan emails Alford: subject line "Birchmore/Stoughton PD Investigation, Officer Matthew G. Farwell." This email initiates the Brady disclosure chain internally; Alford forwards to ADA Connolly 08/19/2021. NCDAO FOIA

08/26/2021

Globe Files First SPR Appeal: SPR21/2185

Globe appeals NDAO's 08/20/2021 denial to the Supervisor of Public Records. SPR21/2185 determination issued 09/10/2021. NCDAO FOIA

09/29/2021

Second Globe Appeal: SPR21/2518

Globe files a second SPR appeal. SPR21/2518 determination issued 10/14/2021. NCDAO FOIA

10/19/2021

Stoughton PD Counsel Confirms IA Still Active: Interviews Expected Dec. 2021

Stoughton PD's counsel confirms the IA investigation of Farwell remains active. Officer interviews anticipated in December 2021. NDAO uses this to justify continued withholding. NCDAO FOIA

11/17 to 11/18/2021

Third Globe Appeal: SPR21/3034

Globe files a third SPR appeal. NDAO forwards to Beland, Alford, and Fanning. NCDAO FOIA

12/20/2021 to 02/10/2022

Supervisor Orders In-Camera Review: Then Upholds NDAO Withholding

Supervisor Rebecca Murray orders an in-camera inspection of NDAO's withheld records (12/20/2021). In-camera conference call held 01/21/2022. Determination issued 02/10/2022: Supervisor upholds NDAO's Exemption (f) withholding in full. Stoughton PD IA investigation, described as still active, remains the justification. Monahan forwards to Beland, Alford, Fanning, and Traub. NCDAO FOIASPR21/3034

Context: Sandra Birchmore died 02/01/2021. This determination came 12+ months later. At this point the Stoughton PD IA investigation has not resulted in officer interviews, and Farwell has not yet resigned. The in-camera review itself is sealed, what the Supervisor saw is not in this production.

Act 3 · ALS Testing, Farwell Resignation, IA Report / Jan – Sep 2022

01/14/2022

MSP Crime Lab Tests Farwell's Workplace: NEGATIVE

MSP Crime Scene Services (Forensic Scientist Jennifer Preisig) conducts an ALS (Alternate Light Source) exam at 499 West Street, Stoughton, the Stoughton Animal Control building and Farwell's workplace. Directed to a specific room; surfaces tested: a couch and an office chair. ALS for [REDACTED substance]: NEGATIVE on both surfaces. No evidence collected or submitted. MSP lab: 22–01049; incident: 21-1-IA. NCDAO FOIASubstance redactedFlagged

The tested substance is fully redacted. This building is also where Joshua Heal worked. Heal had a documented relationship with Sandra; Jayson Pickard (army recruiter) was the DNA-confirmed biological father per trial stipulation (Kelsch, Day 6) -- not Heal. The exam occurs 11+ months after Sandra's death and one month before the SPR21/3034 in-camera determination.

03/11 to 04/05/2022

Farwell Resigns; NDAO Begins Releasing Records

Farwell resigns from Stoughton PD 03/11/2022. Crimaldi asks about Brady list status and additional record releases. NDAO coordinates with Stoughton PD on lifting the withholding objection. By 03-31: initial response to renewed PRR (2022–22) sent. By 04-05: supplemental response with additional reports. NCDAO FOIA

04/01/2022

Globe Asks Three Questions: NDAO Declines Comment

Crimaldi asks: (1) criminal charges? (2) statutory rape? (3) what did the investigation find about Farwell's relationship with Birchmore? NDAO (Traub): "The office declines comment." NCDAO FOIA

04/13/2022

Globe: "Scandal Widens in Stoughton Police Department"

Globe reports William Farwell (Matthew's brother) and Robert Devine placed on paid administrative leave. Matthew's 2010 employment questionnaire listed Devine as his supervisor. Traub circulates article to all NDAO leadership; Morrissey forwards to personal contacts. NCDAO FOIA

05/06 to 05/16/2022

MSP Legal Coordinates Globe's Separate PRR With Tully and NDAO

MSP legal (Noone) contacts Monahan about Globe's PRR for MSP Birchmore records. D.Lt. Brian Tully (SPDU) loops in Monahan and Fanning to coordinate.

Tully personally invited Farwell to the Oct. 2019 Norfolk DA MSP Homicide Conference (trial evidence, Ex. 296 / Beckstrom Day 5) and subsequently cleared Farwell of involvement in Sandra's death. He is now coordinating the Globe's records requests.

NCDAO FOIA

08/02/2022

William Farwell Resigns; Both Farwells and Devine on Brady List

William Farwell resigns. Globe confirms both William Farwell and Robert Devine are on the NDAO Brady/officer disclosure list. Traub to Crimaldi: "Yes, both are on officer disclosure list." NCDAO FOIA

09/22 to 09/23/2022

Stoughton Releases IA Report; NDAO Issues "No Prosecutable Case" Statement

Stoughton PD releases its 60-page IA report. Globe publishes: "Three Stoughton police officers had inappropriate relationships with a young woman." GBH News, Boston 25, and other outlets contact NDAO for comment. Traub issues a coordinated statement to all three: NCDAO FOIA

Full statement text

"After State Police detectives and the medical examiner found no evidence of foul play in the death of Ms. Birchmore, the Norfolk District Attorney's Office referred information developed in the death investigation to the Stoughton Police Department for action... investigation to date has not developed a prosecutable statutory rape case against any individual."

Traub to Crimaldi after her story ran: "Kudos for your story today."

Act 4 · Barstool, Comprehensive PRRs, Saylor Release / Sept – Dec 2022

09/27/2022

Barstool Sports PRR Names Joshua Heal: Three Years Before Patriot Ledger Story

Barstool Sports reporter Dave Cullinane files a PRR for records on Birchmore, Devine, Matthew Farwell, William Farwell, and Joshua Heal. First appearance of Heal's name in the NCDAO production. The same day Globe files its own PRR for William Farwell's MSP statement. NCDAO FOIAFlagged

Heal had a documented relationship with Sandra; the DNA-confirmed biological father is Jayson Pickard (army recruiter), per trial stipulation (Kelsch, Day 6) -- not Heal. The Patriot Ledger ran its "fourth ex-cop implicated" story on 07/27/2025, nearly three years after Cullinane named Heal in this PRR. Globe and other outlets' concurrent PRRs do not name Heal at this date.

09/28/2022

Globe Comprehensive PRR; Morrissey Texts Monahan

Globe files a comprehensive PRR for all remaining investigation materials. DA Morrissey texts ADA Monahan: "when you get a chance could you give me a call. No rush." NCDAO FOIA

10/12/2022

NDAO Responds to Globe and Cullinane PRRs; Serial #1 Text Disclosed

NDAO responds to Globe's 09-28 PRR (2022-81) and to Cullinane's 09-27 PRR. Globe response includes the full text of Dunne's Report Serial #1: no signs of struggle; Birchmore found on bedroom floor; cell phone 12 inches from right hand. NCDAO FOIA

10/20 to 10/25/2022

Marullo (Estate Attorney) Signals Records Request; Saylor PRR Released

Dunne notifies Beland and Fanning: Atty. Steve Marullo (representing the Birchmore estate) intends to file records requests. Separately, Laura Saylor (private requester who had previously met with Fanning) files a PRR; NDAO responds 11-08 with all 25 MSP serial reports (2021–112–39, Serials 1–25). Statutory rape references withheld under G.L. c. 41, §97D; Sandra's personal messages withheld as criminal investigation ongoing. NCDAO FOIA

11/08/2022

Cullinane Files Sweeping MSP Email PRR

Cullinane (Barstool) files a PRR for all MSP emails and memos mentioning "Birchmore," "Sandra Birchmore," or "Farwell" from Feb. 1, 2021 to present. NDAO forwards to leadership; ADA Brandon Hunt assigned to coordinate response on return. NCDAO FOIA

11/14 to 12/21/2022

NDAO Coordinates Marullo Records Release

Monahan reaches out to Marullo to confirm representation; requests written confirmation before proceeding with production. Records response (2022100) sent to Marullo 12/21/2022 after leadership approval. NCDAO FOIA

Act 5 · Family Attorney, Civil Suit, Meta-PRRs / 2023

03/01/2023

Traub Forwards Change.org Petition to Morrissey

Change.org petition forwarded internally: 88 signatures. Traub: "I get a Facebook comment or two a week asking why the Birchmore matter is still outstanding. [Crimaldi] asks for an update every Tuesday." NCDAO FOIA

03/23/2023

Marullo Formally Requests Autopsy Report for Next of Kin

Atty. Marullo submits a formal request under 505 CMR 1.03 for NDAO to provide a letter releasing Sandra Birchmore's autopsy report to next of kin. Hunt forwards to Beland. NCDAO FOIA

04/25/2023

Canton PD Asks NDAO About Release for Smith v. Farwell

Canton PD Deputy Chief Patty Sherrill contacts Hunt: Boyle/Shaughnessy Law filed a PRR representing William Farwell in Smith v. Farwell (2282CV01197), brought by Darlene Smith, Sandra's aunt. PRR covers logs, call recordings, reports, photos, statements, and surveillance. NDAO: "Our office does not object to the release of the below referenced records related to the death investigation." NCDAO FOIA

05/16/2023

NDAO Releases 25 Serials, 8 Surveillance Clips, and Stoughton IA Report to Civil Attorneys

Hunt sends formal response to Boyle/Shaughnessy PRR (2023-56): MSP Reports Serials 1-25 (2021–112–39), apartment surveillance video from 02/01/2021 (8 motion-triggered clips; DVR time stamp 13 minutes fast), and the 60-page Stoughton PD IA report. Still withheld: statutory rape references (§97D) and Sandra's personal messages. No interview audio or video in NDAO possession. Matthew Farwell's cell phone records noted as nonresponsive. NCDAO FOIA

Surveillance clips released

Eight motion-triggered clips from 02/01/2021: 13:04:01, 13:04:42, 17:14:10, 17:14:24, 17:14:27, 17:14:41, 17:15:03, 17:15:19, 17:44:22, 17:44:50, 21:27:51, 21:56:26 (DVR timestamps; actual times 13 minutes earlier per Serial No. 7).

06/16 to 07/12/2023

Meta-PRR: Researcher Requests Crimaldi's 2021 PRR Records and All SPR Appeal Packets

Nathaniel Story (statereference.com) files a PRR for all NDAO responses to Crimaldi's 2021 PRR, including the three SPR appeal packets (SPR21/2185, SPR21/2518, SPR21/3034). NDAO (Hunt) provides full response 07/12/2023. NCDAO FOIA

Late 2023

Multiple Additional PRRs: Marshall Project, Individuals

The Marshall Project and additional individual requesters file PRRs in this window. NDAO issues rolling responses continuing through late 2023. NCDAO FOIA

Act 6 · End of Production / 2024

Early 2024

NDAO Continues PRR Processing; Production Ends April 2024

Additional records requests and rolling responses continue into early 2024. Globe newsletter clippings appear in NDAO inboxes; Google Alerts forwarded to Morrissey. Last records in this production are sent in April 2024, roughly three years after Birchmore's death and about 18 months before the federal trial opened. NCDAO FOIA

NCDAO Email Production