Lantigua is focus of federal, state probe Corruption allegations for Lawrence mayor

Lantigua is focus of federal, state probe
Corruption allegations for Lawrence mayor

"I do want to stress that I remain committed to the job that I was elected to do," Lantigua said in a statement April 4.
By Sean P. Murphy and Maria Sacchetti
Globe Staff / April 23, 2011

Federal and state authorities are investigating Mayor William Lantigua of Lawrence on possible corruption and other wrongdoing, intensifying controversy surrounding the leader of one of the state’s most financially troubled cities, according to law enforcement officials and one person who was interviewed by the FBI.

The FBI, the Essex district attorney, and other agencies are looking into Lantigua’s dealings with companies that work for the city and into his ongoing public battle with the Lawrence Police Department, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials are particularly interested in the mayor’s control over which companies get towing business with the city and who is permitted to operate taxicabs.

One person who has been repeatedly interviewed by state and federal investigators said the agents were very interested in Lantigua’s financial connections, if any, to half a dozen bars and nightclubs, some of which opened since he took office in 2010.

Lantigua’s wife has served on the Licensing Commission that controls which establishments can sell alcohol; police say that Lantigua regularly frequents downtown clubs such as Centro.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/04/23/lawrence_mayor_is_focus_of_federal_state_probe/