A Decorated Veteran. A Dedicated Officer. Wrongfully Targeted.

Dear Friend,

I'm Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and I'm writing to you today about a case that strikes at the very heart of what's wrong with our justice system—a case where political ambition has destroyed a good man's life.

Sergeant David Finnerty is a decorated military veteran who dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. In July 2018, he was working the overnight shift for the MBTA Transit Police in Boston. He had just been promoted to Sergeant and was asked to act as Officer-in-Charge, a role normally filled by two lieutenants.

That same night, miles away at another station, officers made an arrest that led to allegations of excessive force. Dave wasn't there. He didn't see it happen. He was on the other side of town the entire shift.

But that didn't matter to then-District Attorney Rachel Rollins. She charged him with covering up the incident and writing a false report. The truth? Dave immediately sent the case up the chain of command for review and even raised concerns about the officer's conduct. He did exactly what he was supposed to do.

Dave pled not guilty and hired a strong legal team. For years, he and his family fought to protect his freedom, his good name, and his pension. He was suspended without pay while coping with disabilities from his military service.

In the end, Dave was found guilty and sentenced to seven years of probation and a $600 fine.

But Dave is not giving up.

He is appealing this conviction, continuing to fight to clear his name and prove that he was wrongfully targeted in the first place.

Nobody else in his chain of command was held responsible. Not the officers below him. Not the command staff above him. Not even the patrolman who committed and admitted to the underlying assault.

Just Dave Finnerty.

This is what happens when law enforcement becomes a political pawn. A government watchdog has suggested the original DA interfered in a local election, raising serious questions about political motives. It's hard not to see Dave as a whistleblower being scapegoated to protect someone else's reputation.

This is what happens when law enforcement becomes a political pawn. A government watchdog has suggested the original DA interfered in a local election, raising serious questions about political motives. It's hard not to see Dave as a whistleblower being scapegoated to protect someone else's reputation.

Dave has spent every dollar he had defending himself against these charges. And now, as he appeals this conviction, he must keep fighting—while trying to support his wife and three young daughters.

This decorated veteran, this honest police officer who did the right thing, shouldn't have to face this alone.

Dave served his country. He served his community. Now it's time for us to serve him.

Please donate whatever you can today. Whether it's $25, $50, $100, or more—every contribution makes a difference in this fight for justice.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for standing with Dave.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for standing with Dave.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Joe Arpaio

National Center for Police Defense

Defenders for Justice

Your contribution will help provide legal defense for law enforcement officers who have been wrongfully targeted.