2 police officers allegedly ran illegal nightclub in Jamaica Plain, prosecutors say

Boston police officer Richard McDermott and BHPC Campus Police officer Luigi D'Addieco face a combined five charges related to the illegally-operated nightclub.

Prosecutors charged a Boston Police officer and a Boston Public Health Commission Campus Police officer for allegedly operating an illegal nightclub in a Jamaica Plain basement, court documents reveal.

BPD officer Richard McDermott and BPHC Campus Police officer Luigi D’Addieco allegedly ran the “illegal after hours nightclub” at 360B Centre Street. The officers originally rented out the basement to run an HVAC company, but prosecutors said they allegedly transformed it into a nightclub during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors say the club charged a cover fee, had bouncers, bottle service for over $100, a DJ, hookah service, and promoters who advertised the club on social media sites. The two allegedly ran the club for “several months,” according to documents, all without a liquor license. Prosecutors said McDermott’s financial records show “large amounts of purchases” at local liquor stores.

McDermott faces charges of witness intimidation, using criminal records under false pretenses, and creating a public nuisance, his indictment reads. Prosecutors also charged D’Addieco with withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding and creating a public nuisance.

Both suspects pleaded not guilty on Thursday, Oct. 24 and were released without bail, court documents said. Representation for both suspects did not immediately return a request for comment.

BPD confirmed to The Boston Globe they suspended McDermott without pay after the indictment. BPHC said they are aware of the charges and placed D’Addieco on “administrative leave.”

2021 altercation outside the club alerts authorities

A statement of facts submitted to the court details a 2021 altercation outside the club. The report said a person involved in the altercation allegedly fired several rounds into the front door of the club on July 10, 2021. A bouncer working that night was shot several times and transported to a local hospital for treatment, the report said.

Boston police responded to the incident, according to the report. Officers said they found McDermott inside the establishment, and said some officers recognized him. The report said McDermott told officers he was visiting his brother-in-law’s party. However, video footage from the night allegedly shows McDermott at the club, stepping over blood and broken glass caused by the shooting.

Video footage also shows D’Addieco’s car driving on Centre Street after the shooting and parking near the club. Prosecutors said D’Addieco and McDermott called each other several times the night of the shooting.

Eva Levin is a general assignment co-op for Boston.com. She covers breaking and local news in Boston and beyond.