A city vehicle parked at the Department of Public Works, 500 Primrose St. (WHAV News file photograph.)
While city officials await the secretary of the state’s decision on whether a Haverhill Police investigation should be made public, officials clarified Thursday why WHAV’s October request was denied.
The radio station’s Oct. 29 request for a “report” of police’s investigation of the Department of Public Works was premature, according to the city’s legal counsel. Lawyers said the report was incomplete on the day WHAV made its request under the state’s public records law. Although the denial was signed by police Capt. Michael J. Wrenn, officials clarified he did not write the reply.
“At this time there is no such report detailing alleged drug dealing by City of Haverhill DPW workers which has been prepared by this department and provided to Mayor (James) Fiorentini,” the letter said.
Nearly 20 current and former city employees were reportedly interviewed by police.
Responding to WHAV’s second request, Dec. 5, outside lawyer Michele E. Randazzo admitted to the existence of what is described as “a report prepared by the Police Department as a result of an administrative investigation.”
WHAV was later joined by an out-of-town newspaper in requesting the report. Both outlets are now waiting for a response from the supervisor of public records at Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin’s office.
The DPW investigation kicked off last August following the arrests of Steven Allen, of 713 North Broadway, and Erik Frasca, of 23 Verndale St., along with former city worker Kevin Moriarty, of 107 Chadwick Road. Police said there was a “hand-to-hand drug transaction” outside City Hall.