New Hampshire police officer arrested on multiple domestic violence charges

A Manchester, N.H.police officer who was arrested last year for violating a protective order has been charged on multiple counts of domestic violence, officials said.

Michael MacNeilly, 28, turned himself in to police Tuesday and was charged with six counts of simple assault, one count of obstructing the report of a crime, and one count of criminal mischief, New Hampshire State Police said in a statement Wednesday. 

MacNeilly is currently employed as a police officer in Manchester, according to the statement. Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg told the New Hampshire Union Leader Wednesday that MacNeilly was on paid administrative leave. 

“That will remain the case until due process runs its normal course,” Aldenberg told the paper. 

State Police began investigating MacNeilly in October after the Manchester Police Department said there was a conflict of interest with its investigation, the statement said. The investigation involved allegations of assault against MacNeilly. 

After a months-long investigation into the sworn officer by the Investigative Services Bureau within State Police, investigators obtained multiple warrants for MacNeilly, officials said. 

MacNeilly was previously facing criminal stalking charges in November after violating a domestic violence protective order, the Union Leader reported. He was placed on restricted duty and his department-issued weapon was confiscated, Aldenberg told the Union Leader at the time.

MacNeilly was released on personal recognizance bail after surrendering to State Police, officials said. He is scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court in Manchester.