A troubling report has emerged about the former head of Fall River’s Department of Community Maintenance (DCM), John Perry. The investigation, which was conducted by private investigator Daniel Lowney, has raised serious concerns about Perry’s actions during his time in office. Allegations include misuse of city funds, favoring certain contractors, potential environmental violations, and even theft.
For many in Fall River, these findings are deeply unsettling, especially when it comes to trust in city officials and the maintenance of public resources. After the report was made public, it didn’t take long for city leaders to step up and demand answers.
Councilors Take Action
In light of the revelations, Councilors Cliff Ponte Jr. and Shawn Cadime didn’t waste time taking action. They introduced a resolution calling for an independent audit by the Massachusetts State Auditor. The goal is clear: get to the bottom of the allegations and restore confidence in the city’s leadership.
Their resolution calls for a detailed review of several key areas:
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How the city handles contracts and procurement processes.
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The management and usage of city-owned equipment.
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Environmental practices, especially concerning hazardous materials.
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Workplace ethics and how issues were handled within the department.
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A closer look at the city’s internal controls and how well things are being overseen.
The resolution also calls for an examination of how the city handled the investigation, ensuring transparency and following the rules when it comes to public records.
Unanimous Support from the City Council
During a special session on June 10, the Fall River City Council voted unanimously to support the audit resolution. Councilor Cadime mentioned that Mayor Paul Coogan had claimed the report was forwarded to the Fall River Police Department. However, Police Chief Paul Gauvin apparently hadn’t seen the report. This contradiction only added fuel to the fire, prompting the council to expand their request for oversight.
In addition to the State Auditor, the council has now asked several other agencies to get involved, including:
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The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
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The Massachusetts Inspector General
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The U.S. District Attorney for Massachusetts
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The Bristol County District Attorney
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The Fall River Police Department
All of these agencies are expected to respond by August 15, indicating whether they’ll move forward with investigations. If any of them decline or fail to act, the city may fund its own audit.
Next Steps: Looking Forward
After the council’s vote, they announced plans to meet privately with the city administration and legal advisors. This executive session will be a chance to dig deeper into the Lowney report and figure out the next steps for Fall River.
This meeting will focus on:
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Strengthening oversight on how the city handles procurement and spending.
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Improving the way the city monitors equipment usage.
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Ensuring the city complies with environmental laws.
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Strengthening whistleblower protections so that city workers can report issues without fear of retaliation.
Moving forward, the City Council plans to keep residents in the loop, with regular updates during meetings and budget discussions.
What People Are Saying
For many residents of Fall River, this scandal has raised important questions about how well the city manages its resources. When taxpayers are footing the bill for public services, people want to know that the money is being spent responsibly. The city has a long history of challenges with transparency, and this report has only amplified concerns.
A key issue is whether the city’s internal systems can prevent misconduct from happening in the future. If there are cracks in the system, this case may not be the last one to expose unethical behavior.
What’s Next?
Here’s what to expect in the coming weeks and months:
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Agency Responses
The various agencies asked to investigate—like the State Auditor and Attorney General’s Office—must respond by August 15. Will they take action or let the city handle it themselves? -
City-Commissioned Audit
If the external agencies don’t move forward, the City Council has the option to fund its own audit. -
Internal Safeguards
The council plans to create new rules and processes to prevent similar issues in the future. Expect tighter controls on procurement and better oversight on equipment and environmental practices. -
Ongoing Oversight
Regular updates will be shared in city council meetings, with some of these issues likely addressed in upcoming budget talks.
Why This Matters
This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in local government. When allegations of misconduct arise, it’s crucial that leaders act swiftly to restore the public’s trust. Fall River’s City Council is doing just that, pushing for a thorough investigation and taking steps to make sure the city’s resources are managed properly in the future.
The coming months will be critical in determining how this story unfolds and whether the city will finally get the answers it needs.
