Montague acting Police Chief Christopher Bonnett has been charged with assault and battery on a family/household member.

The criminal case against Bonnett was filed at Greenfield District Court on Friday, according to the court's docket, when Bonnett was also arraigned. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 2-1/2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

The town placed Bonnett on administrative leave Friday following news of his arrest, Town Adminstrator Steven Ellis told The Republican in an email Saturday morning. Sgt. Christopher Williams is serving as interim acting chief.

Bonnett became acting chief following Charles "Chip" Dodge's resignation in March.

Dodge, who had been on an extended paid leave of absence, departed when an investigation of him ordered by selectmen determined he was incompetent.

According to the town, Dodge will be paid a salary for an additional year, until March 2019. Records provided by the town show Dodge's annual salary at $90,402, with an educational incentive of 20 percent, bringing his total yearly pay to $108,482.

Contact Jim Russell at newstips123@gmail.com