MA Environmental police chief James McGinn axed
The head of the state environmental police — a former driver for Gov. Charlie Baker (R-MA) has been fired after an investigation found he installed secret cameras to spy on employees and fixed off-road vehicle tickets given to a friend and former neighbor.
Col. James McGinn “exercised poor judgment and violated public trust” and was terminated in order to “restore confidence” at the embattled environmental police, according to the internal investigation released yesterday by the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
The firing of McGinn, a former state trooper, is a major black mark for Baker, who quickly promoted him from campaign driver to colonel and chief of the environmental police in 2015, despite the fact McGinn had no environmental experience. McGinn had been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
The investigation also cited one of McGinn’s former deputies, Maj. William Bilotta, for participating in the improper activities ordered by McGinn. Bilotta has since retired from the force.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2018/10/environmental_police_chief_james_mcginn_axed