I-Team: Framingham Building Commissioner Could Face Criminal Charges
FRAMINGHAM (CBS) - There's a significant development in the wake of a recent I-Team investigation.
Framingham's building commissioner may face a criminal investigation.
Michael Foley is now on paid leave after the I-Team presented allegations of possible fraud to town leaders.
WBZ-TV's Joe Shortsleeve reports
Foley was not talking Tuesday night as he and his attorney arrived at Framingham Town Hall for a meeting before the Board of Selectman.
In a special executive session, Foley and his attorney had to explain their side of what the I-Team found.
Specifically, the I-Team presented evidence of what appear to be fraudulent expense reports, putting in for mileage that he never drove.
The I-Team also found evidence of huge discounts on expensive building permits for places where Foley was connected, like his health club. The potential cost to taxpayers for that one permit was about $4,000.
Foley is also being investigated for his questionable work habits. The I-Team learned he played golf almost every Wednesday this past summer.
And he played regularly with one private attorney who conducted business before town boards.
During Tuesday night's public session, the selectmen opened the door for possible criminal charges.
Selectman Jason Smith read a statement to the room:
"Earlier this evening, the Board of Selectmen in executive session, by a vote of five in favor, zero opposed, sent the matter of allegations against Michael Foley to the district attorney's office for further investigation."
He went on to say. "The Board of Selectmen takes these allegations very seriously."
Now the matter is in the hands of the District Attorney's office.
It is unclear how long that investigation will take, but in the meantime Foley remains suspended with pay.
Foley has been building commissioner since 2007
Before that he served in a similar position in Somerville.
