Two Boston city officials who were indicted on extortion and conspiracy charges last year continue to be paid even though they aren't working.
The Boston Herald reports that tourism chief Kenneth Brissette and intergovernmental affairs director Timothy Sullivan have been receiving their full salaries on paid leave since they were charged a year ago. Both earn more than $100,000 annually.
This has cost taxpayers over $200,000 in salary and benefits so far, and will cost close to $350,000 by the time their trials, which have been delayed until next year, begins next January.
Brissette and Sullivan are accused of pressuring organizers of the Boston Calling music festival to hire union workers and refusing to issue permits until eight laborers and a foreman were hired between July and September 2014.
Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, who is running for mayor, has criticized Mayor Marty Walsh for allowing the two to be on paid leave, spending money that could otherwise be used to help the city.
A state law allows indicted government employees to be suspended without pay. Employees are entitled to receive back pay for the time they were under suspension if they are cleared.
