WORCESTER, MA — April 2, 2026 — Renowned Boston criminal defense attorney Brad Bailey, founder of Brad Bailey Law, P.C., appeared in Worcester Superior Court today on behalf of Lieutenant Jennifer Penton of the Massachusetts State Police, who was arraigned alongside two other troopers on charges including involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury. All three defendants entered pleas of not guilty.
Following the arraignment, Attorney Bailey addressed the media outside the courthouse and made clear that Lt. Penton intends to fight the charges and that the defense is confident she will be fully exonerated once all the evidence is presented and the full facts are known.
Bailey described Lt. Penton as a highly respected public servant who has devoted the last 24 years of her life to protecting the public. He noted that she advanced through the ranks of law enforcement through merit, excellence, and commendation, rising from patrol officer in New Bedford to Lieutenant, Shift Commander, and Station Commander with the Massachusetts State Police. He also highlighted her military service, including eight years in the Army National Guard and a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The case arises from the 2024 death of a Massachusetts State Police trainee at the MSP Training Academy in New Braintree. Prosecutors allege that the trainee died as a result of participation in a boxing training exercise involving one-on-one consensual contact. Attorney Bailey sharply criticized the government’s theory of prosecution, characterizing it as an attempt to impose criminal liability through an attenuated and legally strained interpretation of the facts, which he characterized as forcing round pegs into square holes.
For Brad Bailey, this case is the latest in a long line of high-profile law enforcement defense cases handled in both Massachusetts state court and federal court. A former state and federal prosecutor with decades of courtroom experience, Bailey is widely recognized as one of Massachusetts’ leading criminal defense attorneys for police officers, correctional officers, troopers, deputy sheriffs, and other public safety professionals facing criminal investigation or prosecution.
Attorney Bailey has successfully represented members of the law enforcement community in numerous serious and high stakes matters, including state and federal criminal cases involving:
- Massachusetts State Police troopers
- Transit Police officers
- Boston Police officers
- Somerville police
- Woburn police
- Stoneham Police supervisors
- Deputy sheriffs
- Sheriff’s department junior officers
- Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) command staff
- BOP correctional officers
- County corrections officers in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire
- NH local police
When a police officer, trooper, correctional officer, or other law enforcement professional is accused of wrongdoing, the consequences can be devastating. A criminal charge can place a career, pension, professional reputation, and personal freedom all at risk. These are not ordinary cases. They require a defense lawyer with the skills, judgment, strategic planning and courtroom experience to handle media scrutiny, complex investigations, and aggressive prosecution.
BRAD BAILEY LAW, P.C. provides sophisticated, strategic, and hard-hitting criminal defense for LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS facing charges in Massachusetts state and federal court. These are high-stakes cases that demand more than ordinary representation. They require experienced counsel with judgment, discretion, and courtroom strength to protect not only your legal rights, but also your career, pension, reputation, and future.
IF YOU ARE A POLICE OFFICER, STATE TROOPER, CORRECTIONAL OFFICER, DEPUTY SHERIFF, OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONAL UNDER INVESTIGATION OR FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES, YOU NEED TO ACT IMMEDIATELY. The choices made at the earliest stage of a case can have lasting consequences. You need a defense team that knows how to respond decisively, manage high-pressure cases, and fight aggressively when everything is on the line.
CONTACT BRAD BAILEY LAW, P.C. TODAY to speak with an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer.
CALL NOW OR CONTACT THE FIRM THROUGH ITS WEBSITE TO TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR NAME, AND YOUR FUTURE.