In Norwell, the Select Board recognized two members of the police department for their efforts during a lengthy investigation.
Detectives Sergeant Dan Dooley and Kayla Puricelli were commended for their investigative work that led to the conviction of 51-year-old Derek Sheehan. Both detectives grew up in town.
“You go into it, hoping that this is what the result is going to be for the survivors and their families,” said Dooley. “This is why you put in all the work. To have that happen, it’s really knowing that the families are comfortable with that. You hope it brings them a little bit of solace, is really what it’s about.”
Dooley says this investigation involved numerous agencies, spanned hundreds of hours, and the children that came forward are the true heroes in this case.
“Because without them coming forward and their ultimate cooperation through the investigation, it could have never could have gone into court system, we could have never secured the conviction,” said Dooley.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sheehan, a former Norwell Youth Football Coach, videotaped himself sexually abusing three minors who were staying at his home. They were 11 and 12 years old at the time. In June of 2018, one of the victims reported the abuse.
Sheehan pleaded guilty in July of 2021 and was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
“I’ve certainly read most the reports and actually saw the amount of work that was put into it, and it’s a tough case to work on,” said Police Chief Ed Lee, who joined the department in 2020. “There’s a mountain of evidence to go through, and you just have to be tenacious. You have to put your nose to the grindstone and just follow through. These guys did an excellent job of doing that.”
