Taunton Mayor Pleads Not Guilty to Assault

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell faced court on Monday, pleading not guilty to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault following an altercation with her husband. The incident, which occurred on July 19, involved O'Connell allegedly biting her husband's arm and striking him with a small crowbar or gasket cleaner. A police report details that she also jumped on his car when he tried to leave. Both O'Connell and her husband have acknowledged ongoing marital issues, and her husband has expressed regret for involving the police. O'Connell, who has served as mayor since 2020 and was previously a state representative, is free on bail and scheduled to return to court on September 12.