DA: Nightclub owner tried to protect shooter pal by lying to cops, attempting to destroy evidence

Shawn Donovan of Billerica, owner of the Revolution Rock Club on High Street, was indicted on Friday under the state's witness-intimidation law for allegedly trying to keep police from learning what happened there early on New Year's Day.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office charges Donovan, 29, lied to investigators and ordered a photographer inside the club to destroy any photos showing Mario Mendez - who was charged with assault with intent to murder and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, because, police say, he got angry at a guy who bumped into him. Officials charge Donovan and Mendez are "well acquainted with one another, contrary to Donovan’s statements to Boston Police." In a statement, DA Dan Conley said:

The evidence suggests that he not only lied to police about a shooting outside his club, but also suborned others to destroy material evidence about that shooting. There's no reason a legitimate businessman would try to thwart an investigation like that. Club owners should take notice of this case – we won’t punish you for someone else's crime, but if you try to cover it up or mislead investigators, then we're coming down on you hard.

Donovan faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Innocent, etc.