A retired Braintree police detective has been charged with misdemeanor criminal harassment for allegedly misusing license plate readers and other police resources in a personal matter, according to court records and town officials. Mark Frederick Sherrick, 56, who left the department in April 2025 amid an internal investigation, faces a single count filed in Dedham District Court in July. His arraignment is set for September 29. Sherrick is not currently in custody, and his attorney has not responded to requests for comment.
The town’s statement noted that Sherrick’s retirement coincided with an inquiry into his conduct, which a third-party investigation found involved unauthorized license plate queries and use of police equipment for non-law enforcement purposes. Officials declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the criminal investigation.
According to a police report, Sherrick’s former girlfriend reported that following their breakup in 2024, he repeatedly entered her backyard in the early morning hours, despite the street having only four residences. The complaint alleges Sherrick used his department-issued cell phone, tablet, and cruiser to track her, including employing a GPS device to monitor her vehicle. The report states the conduct displayed a pattern likely to cause significant emotional distress.
The Massachusetts Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission currently lists Sherrick’s law enforcement certification as "restricted." A POST spokesperson explained that officers not actively employed by a law enforcement agency have their certification placed in restricted status, prohibiting them from serving in any official capacity until reemployed.
Records from POST indicate that Sherrick encountered multiple complaints between August 2024 and February 2025. These included accusations of unauthorized data queries, stalking, misuse of police resources, intoxication, and verbal abuse directed at the complainant.
The use of license plate readers and similar tracking technologies has drawn heightened scrutiny nationwide, including within Massachusetts. Recent cases echo concerns raised in Braintree: in Lynn, two officers were placed on leave after audits revealed suspicious license plate reader usage. In Stow, one officer faces termination and criminal charges for allegedly tracking an ex-partner, while a New Bedford officer was also put on leave amid similar allegations of stalking.
These incidents underscore ongoing debates about privacy and the proper use of law enforcement technology, prompting departments to reassess policies governing digital surveillance tools.