Artificial Intelligence Carlo DeMaria Ethics Commission Hearing May 27 More scheduling updates can be monitored on the official Massachusetts State Ethics Commission Events Calendar. [1]
More scheduling updates can be monitored on the official Massachusetts State Ethics Commission Events Calendar. [1]
Carlo DeMaria Ethics Commission Hearing May 27
The Massachusetts State Ethics Commission held a remote pre-hearing conference for former Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. [1]
Case Background
The State Ethics Commission's Enforcement Division initiated an adjudicatory proceeding against DeMaria following a major financial probe. The state officially alleges that DeMaria violated § 23(b)(2)(i) of the state conflict of interest law. [1, 2]
The primary allegations include:
- Unauthorized Longevity Bonuses: The division alleges DeMaria used his official position to improperly collect $220,000 in longevity payments between 2016 and 2021. This total is $40,000 higher than the $180,000 initially flagged by a state audit from the Inspector General.
- Budget Concealment: DeMaria is accused of deliberately directing city personnel to hide these inflated payments under vague budget line items meant for paid-out vacation and sick time.
- Refusal to Repay: The Enforcement Division notes that DeMaria repeatedly refused the Everett City Council's requests to return the unearned taxpayer funds. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
The Defense Position
DeMaria has firmly denied all accusations of misconduct. His legal counsel argues that the case stems from "obvious political motivation". The defense maintains that the dispute is strictly a matter of interpreting a local payment ordinance passed and funded by the Everett City Council. Following the initial inquiry, DeMaria established a legal defense fund to fight the charges. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Potential Penalties & Next Steps
The May 27 conference served as a scheduling and procedural meeting ahead of a full public adjudicatory hearing, which is expected to take place within the next 90 days. If found guilty of violating state conflict of interest laws, the Commission has the authority to issue: [1, 2]
- Civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
- Orders mandating full restitution payments back to the City of Everett. [1, 2]
More scheduling updates can be monitored on the official Massachusetts State Ethics Commission Events Calendar. [1]
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