Rockland sex scandal investigation has cost taxpayers more than $40k

ROCKLAND, Mass. — The investigation into the sex scandal at Rockland Town Hall has cost taxpayers more than $40,000, according to invoices obtained by Boston 25 News.

Boston 25 News received a response on Monday to a public records request submitted to the Town of Rockland on July 9 for all invoices related to the investigation.

So far, the investigation has cost taxpayers $40,586.25.

Between May 19 and June 30, the town racked up $24,461.25 in legal fees with Clifford & Kenny, LLP. Town Counsel John Clifford is partner at the law firm. The independent investigation done by Regina Ryan of Discrimination and Harassment Solutions, LLC cost the town $15,775.00. Steven Verronneau, an independent consultant, charged the town $350.00 to review town hall surveillance video from the night in question and draft an affidavit on his findings.

The investigation by Discrimination and Harassment Solutions found Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Deidre Hall pressured Town Administrator Allan Chiocca into an after-hours sexual encounter at Town Hall on May 1st.

“Mrs. Hall used her position as a member of the Board of Selectmen, who was actively reviewing and would soon be voting on his request for contract extension and salary increase, to pressure him into engaging in sexual activities with her,” said Ryan. The town hired Ryan to conduct the investigation.

Hall resigned immediately.

Chiocca has been on paid administrative leave since May 29. According to Chiocca's contract, he was set to earn $150,000 a year starting July 1, 2017 and be bumped up to $155,000 a year starting July 1, 2018. According to calculations done by Boston 25 News, Chiocca has been paid at least $20,480.72 while on leave.

Three of the four members of the Board of Selectmen met behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss Chiocca’s future with the town, but they voted to hold off on taking any action.

The Rockland charter mandates no action can be taken against a town administrator without the vote of at least four board members. Edward Kimball, who was a no show, will likely have to recuse himself because of his involvement in the scandal.

Boston 25 News has learned a group of residents are set to submit 700 signatures to the town clerk’s office Tuesday to kick off the process to recall Kimball.

The town charter also requires the signatories for a recall election to obtain the signatures of 15 percent of the town voters within 14 days after submitting the initial petition to the clerk’s office.

The charter requires the petition to be submitted to the Board of Selectmen after it has been certified by the clerk and recall election must be held within 90 days.

A special election will also have to be held to fill a selectman vacancy created by Hall’s resignation.

Town leaders are hoping timing works out so they can hold a potential recall election and special election on the same day to save money. Elections in Rockland can run as much as $10,000.

Cox Media Group