FOX25 Investigates: State probes ties between Hingham and contractors

HINGHAM, Mass. — The state Inspector General’s Office is investigating a South Shore town’s relationship with two contractors, FOX25 Investigates has learned.

The IG’s Office is targeting documents involving Hingham and two paving companies that contract with the town.

Investigative Reporter Eric Rasmussen obtained a copy of the IG’s Office request for Hingham town officials to turn over documents, including contract procurement files, invoices, payments, and inspection reports since 2012 for work done by Gallant Grader Services, Inc. and Mass Pavement Reclamation, Inc. of Hanover.

State investigators also requested emails and other communications between town employees and the contracting companies as well as a list of any items of value, including meals, lodging, travel, gifts and sporting events, provided to town employees by the contractors, according to a letter from the IG’s Office dated Sept. 30.

Hingham Town Administrator Ted Alexiades told FOX25 Investigates his office is fully cooperating with the state’s investigation. At this point, he says there’s been no suggestion anyone with the town has done anything wrong.

“They understand the ethics laws,” said Alexiades about town workers in a phone interview with FOX25. “We don't want our employees receiving anything of any merit from our vendors. We want them to conduct business on behalf of the Hingham residents and I believe that's exactly what they do.”

The letter doesn’t make it clear whether Hingham officials, the contractors or another entity is the focus of the investigation.

But FOX25 Investigates has learned that Hingham town leaders extended a contract with one of the companies in question just last week.

Hingham selectmen voted unanimously on Thursday to grant Mass Pavement Reclamation, Inc. a one-year contract extension through the end of 2017 – a contract valued at $409,150 annually, town officials said at last week’s board meeting.

FOX25 Investigates contacted the two companies in question, which appear to have the same owner but did not immediately receive a response.

FOX25 also reached out to the Inspector General’s Office, which declined to provide details about the probe.

“The office doesn’t comment or respond to questions about whether a matter is under investigation,” said Jack Meyers of the IG’s Office.

Cox Media Group