Sheriff's deputy accused of having jail crews work on his home while on the clock, violating Massachusetts law
DEDHAM - An assistant deputy superintendent at the Norfolk County Sheriff's office in Massachusetts is accused of having employees at the jail perform work on his home for free. Now he faces numerous violations that could lead to tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
Free plumbing work
Michael Ramponi is retired now, but he is a former corrections officer and plumber for the Norfolk County jail. The State Ethics Commission said it's also a service he was asked to perform for Thomas Brady. The commission adding that Brady had Ramponi and other employees come to his home to perform free plumbing work.
"No, in my opinion, it shouldn't be done," said Ramponi.
The state said it happened on four different occasions during work hours and after. Ramponi said the first time he showed up, Brady was having problems with his boiler.
"I was pulled from shift and went to his house and did a service call," explained Ramponi.
The Ethics Commission said in each instance, the workers weren't paid a dime, nor did Brady reimburse the sheriff's office for the value of the work.
"We both received a bottle of wine after the second time after going there and replacing a circulator pump and doing some other odds and ends," detailed Ramponi.
Faces numerous violations
WBZ-TV went to Brady's home to speak with him, but no one came to the door. The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office sent WBZ-TV a statement saying they are aware of the order from the Ethics Committee but they will not comment on on personnel matters.
"I think that is absolutely an unethical act," says Mary Connaughton, COO of the Pioneer Institute, a government watchdog group. "Even off hours, and even though the state's not paying them, it's the same principle applies."
Ramponi said because of Brady's position, he felt it was easier to do the work to make the situation go away.
The commission will hold a public hearing on the allegations in the next 90 days. He could face a $10,000 fine for each violation.