Taunton mayor charged for allegedly biting, attacking husband

The mayor of Taunton is facing domestic assault charges after she allegedly bit her husband and hit him with a small gasket cleaner on Friday night, according to court documents.

Shaunna O’Connell, a former Republican state representative and a third-term mayor of the city, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery on a family member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in court Monday.

Ted O’Connell told police that he and his wife had an argument over “marital issues” that turned physical, court docs said. He said Shaunna allegedly bit him on his left forearm and also hit his right hand and knuckles with the small gasket cleaner.

The officer observed the wounds on Ted, who refused medical treatment and an emergency restraining order. 

Officers then found Shaunna inside their Worcester Street home shut inside an upstairs room, according to the police report filed in court. She told officers she “did not know” what happened or how Ted was injured but said Ted “had been verbally abusive to her,” the report said.

Shaunna, who began her third term as mayor earlier this year, was arrested, placed in handcuffs, and taken to police headquarters for booking, the police wrote. 

Ted walked out of Taunton District Court Monday morning hand-in-hand with his wife when he told television reporters that he apologizes for calling the police after the incident.

“I apologize to my wife and the people of Taunton. It was a huge mistake,” he said.

Previously, Shaunna represented Bristol County’s third district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which was made up of most of Taunton and one precinct of Easton. She was elected there in 2010 and served until 2020.

In a joint statement from the couple provided to Boston.com, Shaunna and Ted said they have been married for 27 years.

“Like all couples, we have had challenges,” the statement said. “We’ve been working through marital issues. During an argument Ted involved the police and regrets making that decision. We ask for privacy for our family on personal issues as we work through this matter.”

The mayor was released on bail and is due back in court in September.