Massachusetts mayor who shuttered a libelous newspaper faces renewed corruption allegations

Everett Mayor Faces Scrutiny Amidst Defamation Lawsuit Aftermath and New Bonus Payment Allegations

EVERETT, Mass. – For years, the mayor of this Boston suburb reportedly lived in apprehension of Wednesdays. That day marked the distribution of a local weekly publication known for printing sensational claims suggesting the city’s top official was corrupt, involved in sexual harassment, or under federal investigation. These accusations, later proven false, led to a defamation lawsuit victory, but now new allegations regarding bonus payments are surfacing.

Defamation Lawsuit Victory Shuts Down Local Paper

Friends publicly criticized Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria on social media platforms like Facebook, reacting to the content published by the Everett Leader Herald. His own father reportedly threatened estrangement due to stories the mayor knew to be fabricated.

“They branded me ‘Kickback Carlo,’” DeMaria stated. “The accusations ranged from settling numerous sexual harassment suits to the outrageous claim that I held a knife to a young woman’s throat demanding sexual favors. It was appalling, truly disgusting.”

Rare Libel Case Outcome

Virtually every claim published by the newspaper concerning DeMaria was ultimately proven untrue. This enabled him to secure a significant $1.1 million settlement in December, effectively leading to the closure of the nearly 140-year-old publication.

Victories in defamation cases are exceedingly uncommon for public figures due to the Supreme Court’s “actual malice” standard. This standard, requiring proof of a reckless disregard for the truth, was demonstrated vividly when the paper’s editor, under oath, confessed to fabricating numerous stories as part of a relentless campaign to damage the mayor’s reputation.

However, DeMaria’s triumph was short-lived. As he prepares for his seventh mayoral campaign, fresh allegations have emerged concerning supplemental payments to his salary – an issue the defunct paper had previously covered four years prior. This time, Massachusetts state authorities are urging the City Council to take action.

Everett’s Transformation and Political Landscape

Mayor DeMaria, recognized for his tailored suits and styled hair, operates within a political framework built on personal connections within Everett, a working-class city of approximately 49,000 residents situated across the Mystic River from Boston. Serving as mayor since 2007, he has received commendation for his efforts in upgrading city infrastructure. The city’s image is evolving, moving beyond industrial facilities to encompass a prominent casino and potential professional soccer venue, attracting new attention and development.

Everett voters consistently re-elected DeMaria with substantial margins, and his annual compensation reached $232,700, inclusive of a vehicle allowance and a “longevity bonus,” nearing the $250,000 salary of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who leads a city almost fourteen times larger.

Following a contentious 2021 election cycle, DeMaria retained his position, but with a considerably narrower margin of just over 200 votes.

Matthew Philbin acquired the Leader Herald in 2017 and appointed Joshua Resnek, a Boston-area journalist, with the intent to transform the publication into a vehicle for attacks, as evidenced by court records. DeMaria surmises that Philbin harbored resentment after DeMaria, then a councilman, opposed his boarding house permits and subsequently, as mayor, declined to award him a city insurance contract.

‘Blue Suit’ versus ‘Kickback Carlo’ Narrative

Resnek created a fictitious City Hall insider, referred to as “Blue Suit,” who, through fabricated conversations in article after article, accused “Kickback Carlo” of extorting the city clerk in a land transaction, coercing individuals for campaign contributions, and committing sexual assault.

In a public announcement of his legal victory, accompanied by his wife, DeMaria conveyed a sense of vindication.

“The magnitude of this settlement—both the financial compensation agreed upon by the defendants and their commitment to cease publication of their newspaper—demonstrates the egregious nature of their actions and the extent of their admissions of misconduct,” DeMaria declared.

Neither Philbin, Resnek, nor their legal representatives responded to multiple requests for comments. However, the paper’s final issue stated that “the settlement satisfies all parties that an amicable resolution was achieved, rendering a trial unnecessary.”

Some local residents expressed discontent regarding the cessation of local news coverage.

“We need diverse voices,” commented Peggy Serino, an Everett homeowner and regular attendee at council meetings. “Disagreement from the administration shouldn’t result in silencing a news outlet.”

Bonus Payment Scrutiny Intensifies

Following reports in the Leader Herald suggesting impropriety and quotes from a mayoral opponent labeling them “greedy,” a complaint concerning bonus payments was lodged with the state Office of the Inspector General in 2022. DeMaria declined the $40,000 payment for 2022, and the council subsequently capped future payments to align with those received by other city employees—approximately $1,700 annually.

After an extensive inquiry, the Inspector General concluded in February that DeMaria had collaborated with his finance officer and budget director to retroactively secure $180,000 between 2016 and 2021, concealing these payments within other budget line items. The IG also determined DeMaria may have violated state ethics laws by participating in the drafting and approval of the ordinance that augmented his compensation.

The City Council’s stance has shifted since the report’s release. While they lack the authority to remove him from office, councilors have demanded repayment and initiated an audit examining nearly a decade of payments made to him. They have also sought information to present to the state ethics commission, which possesses the power to impose fines up to $10,000 per violation and refer evidence of criminal activity to prosecutors.

DeMaria maintains his innocence, asserting he “never engaged in concealment” and has not been contacted by law enforcement. He dismisses the situation as typical local politics.

“Those who have falsely accused me for years are the ones culpable of genuine wrongdoing,” he stated. “I will continue to defend my family and rectify the damage inflicted upon the reputation of Everett and its residents by these unwarranted and baseless attacks.”

Councilors Urge Deeper Reflection

DeMaria was absent from a special meeting attended by numerous city employees, where his lawyer and daughter spoke in his defense. Launching his reelection campaign weeks later, he urged supporters to reserve judgment pending the release of all pertinent facts.

However, not all are willing to wait. The City Council endorsed a vote of no confidence and discontinued future longevity payments for the mayor.

“This marks a somber day for our community,” remarked City Councilor Peter Pietrantonio. “There are significant allegations against the mayor and his administration… In my view, it is appalling.”

Councilor at Large Guerline Alcy Jabouin appealed to city workers supporting DeMaria to consider broader community interests.

“Consider your property taxes. Consider the underfunded schools. Consider your grandparents struggling with medication costs,” Jabouin implored.