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September 27, 2006

W. Warwick economic official accused of bribery

SCITUATE -- Robert B. Boyer, chairman of the West Warwick Economic Development Commission and a board member of the Kent County Water Authority, has been charged with bribery of a public official and criminal ethics violations, state police announced today.

In a press conference at state police headquarters this afternoon, Maj. Steven G. O'Donnell, flanked by West Warwick Police Chief Peter Brousseau and Detective Todd E. Catlow of the Financial Crimes Unit, said that police had been investigating complaints of corruption in the town since November 2005.

As a result, state police detectives gathered information suggesting that Boyer had tried to hire West Warwick Building Official Stephen D. Murray, as an undocumented, paid consultant.

State police allege that Boyer paid Murray, who was a cooperating witness, monetary consideration as an inducement or a reward for acts relating to his official duties. Boyer, 69, owns his own land surveying business in town.

State police said detectives monitored 22 meetings and conversations between Murray and Boyer. During those meetings, Boyer paid cash to Murray on eight occasions, totaling $2,800, and in return requested preferential treatment to speed up projects he was involved in.

Boyer insisted that all payments be in cash and that no one, other than the two men, would have knowledge of the transactions, according to a state police press release.

-- Journal staff writer Talia Buford

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 3:41 PM | Permalink

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