"Lantigua is focus of federal, state probe; Corruption allegations for Lawrence mayor" by Sean P. Murphy and Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff / April 23, 2011
Federal and state authorities are investigating Mayor William Lantigua of Lawrence on possible corruption and other wrongdoing, intensifying controversy surrounding the leader of one of the state’s most financially troubled cities, according to law enforcement officials and one person who was interviewed by the FBI.
The FBI, the Essex district attorney, and other agencies are looking into Lantigua’s dealings with companies that work for the city and into his ongoing public battle with the Lawrence Police Department, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Related: Lawrence mayor’s report of threat rejected
Law enforcement officials are particularly interested in the mayor’s control over which companies get towing business with the city and who is permitted to operate taxicabs.
So they had to have an unmarked car follow him?
One person who has been repeatedly interviewed by state and federal investigators said the agents were very interested in Lantigua’s financial connections, if any, to half a dozen bars and nightclubs, some of which opened since he took office in 2010.
How come AmeriKa has plenty of those?
Lantigua’s wife has served on the Licensing Commission that controls which establishments can sell alcohol; police say that Lantigua regularly frequents downtown clubs such as Centro.
I bet he gets his drinks for free.
“They want to know about those places,’’ the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “There’s a lot of questions.’’
Damon Katz, a spokesman in the Boston division of the FBI, declined yesterday to confirm or deny the existence of an investigation....
That's FBI-speak for there is one.
Lantigua, who is the first Latino mayor in Massachusetts history, has stirred controversy since taking office in January 2010....
A native of the Dominican Republic and a former state representative, Lantigua was hailed in 2009 for a historic victory in a city that is more than 70 percent Latino and where Latinos had long struggled with discrimination....
Lantigua quickly became a polarizing figure, initially refusing to give up his job as a state legislator despite the financial problems facing the city.
Related: The Latin Looter of Lawrence
He eventually resigned from the House under public pressure, clearing the way for the Legislature to approve a $35 million bailout to solve financial problems Lantigua had inherited.
He also battled publicly with the police....
Since Lantigua became mayor, the financially troubled city has reduced the number of police officers from 151 to 111, forcing Romero to disband several key units, such as the antigang unit, and transfer most plainclothes police officers to uniformed patrol.
Now I see why the cops aren't liking him.
Since the layoffs, the city has struggled with a rapidly rising crime rate....
And why try real hard, right? It's called sour-cop syndrome.
Lawrence police have become major sources of information for the state and federal investigators, according to law enforcement officials.
:-)
“The guys are so fed up here,’’ said one officer who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation.
Federal and state investigators are mindful that Lantigua is a powerful symbol, and they are reluctant to pursue him for seemingly minor issues, such as allegations of free drinks and meals and other lesser favors Lantigua and his coterie may enjoy from local businesses....
Since when does a SYMBOL matter when it comes to the LAW?
And I was just wondering if you, dear reader, get FREE MEALS and DRINKS because of your status and influence?
Whadda ya mean no?
Lantigua suggested on Spanish-language radio that police might even plant evidence as an excuse to arrest him.
Oh, AmeriKan authorities NEVER DO THAT (as blog editor rolls his eyes)!!
Later Lantigua apologized, saying his comments were inappropriate....
Yeah, you can't insult the party, 'er, police here in Masschusetts (sic)!
--more--"
Also see: Letting Class Out in Lawrence
Looting Lawrence After Class
Lawrence in the Limelight
And they are again.
