A local police lieutenant is accused of tampering police reports over the arrest of a Suffolk County Sheriff Department employee.

Francis Goode, Jr., 54, a Chelmsford Police lieutenant, has been indicted by a Middlesex grand jury related to the arrest of Michael Caprigno, a jail officer sergeant in Suffolk County.

Goode allegedly altered dispatch records and instructed an officer to not charge Caprigno for operating under the influence because of his employment in law enforcement.

Nearly a year ago, the 42-year-old North Reading man was allegedly driving on a public way in Chelmsford Center, when he nearly struck a patrol officer head-on.

The officer pulled Caprigno over, and in the course of their interaction, the officer reportedly noticed signs of intoxication.

As the officers decided to place him under arrest, Caprigno allegedly became hostile and told the officers that he was employed by the Suffolk County sheriff. He allegedly told the officers that they would regret it if they arrested him. Caprigno took home more than $143,000 last year, according to state payroll records.

Once he was transported back to the police station, the arresting officer was met by Goode. While Goode and Caprigno were in the booking area, Caprigno allegedly once again said he was employed at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and told them to release him.

Goode then allegedly instructed the officer to write a citation for marked lanes only. He allegedly instructed the officer to take no further steps related to the arrest.

Goode also told the officer to not discuss the arrest with others. Caprigno was not booked as a result.

Caprigno was indicted on Tuesday on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol and a violation of the standards of conduct as a public employee.

Goode was charged with tampering with a record for use in an official proceeding, intimidation of a witness, and violating the standards of conduct as a public employee.

This incident in December came to the attention of the Chelmsford Police chief, who immediately referred the matter to the Middlesex DA.

“Employment as a member of law enforcement does not include being allowed to escape responsibility for breaking the law as a professional courtesy,” Middlesex DA Marian Ryan said. “The offenses which underlie today’s indictments stand in direct contradiction to the very oath which police officers are sworn to uphold. We must ensure that everyone is held to accountability equally, regardless of their occupation.”