Battle Over Officer’s $2.7 Million Inheritance

According to a court filing, efforts by Portsmouth city officials to shield two internal police investigation reports pertaining to an officer’s disputed $2.7 million inheritance “do little to instill public confidence.” 

Attorney Paul McEachern represents four clients who contest the last will and trust of the late Gerladine Webber, who left most of her valuable assets to police Sgt. Aaron Goodwin.  McEachern asked a judge to order the police reports be released, which describe the internal investigations of the matter.  In a motion filed with Strafford County Probate Court, McEachern argues that the reports should be part of the public record to determine whether or not there was an investigation. 

City Attorney Robert Sullivan objects to the release of the reports, deeming them confidential and inadmissible in civil cases.  Sullivan alleges that police investigations relate to complaints that Goodwin may have violated Police Department rules and regulations with regard to his contact with Webber prior to her death. 

The initial demand for the police reports came from attorney David Eby, who represents the Shriner’s Hospital for Children and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, both of which also contest Webber’s last will and trust.  Goodwin’s inheritance diminished bequests to Eby’s clients and others; according to the terms of her 2009 will and her final will and trust.  The will also diminished inheritances to the Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments, both of which were designated to receive one-quarter of Webber’s estate in her 2009 will, but were reduced in her final will and trust. 

A judge will hear both sides of the argument regarding release of the investigatory records before the trial in May. 

See Elizabeth Dinan, Portsmouth Lawyer Joins Fight for Internal Police Records, Sea Coast Online, Jan. 4, 2015.