ROCKLAND, MA (WBZ-AM) – Rockland Selectwoman Dierdre Hall is stepping down, after an outside investigation found she pressured town administrator Allan Chiocca into sex after hours at town hall. The incident occurred on May 1st and was partially caught on surveillance video.
Attorney Regina Ryan conducted the probe and reported her findings to Selectmen Tuesday night.
Initially, Hall had accused Chiocca of behaving inappropriately, claiming that he acted inappropriately toward her and that she tried to leave the Town Offices several times that night. Then said she doesn't remember anything about that night, because she was impaired.
“I can substantiate Mr. Chiocca’s allegation that on May 1st and 2nd 2018 Ms. Hall used her position as member of the Board of Selectmen who was actively reviewing and would soon be voting on his request for contact extension and salary increase to pressure him into engaging in sexual activities with her ,” Ryan told the Board of Selectmen.
Ryan of Discrimination and Harassment Solutions, LLC, was hired by the Town to independently investigate these claims.
As a result of the investigation, town counsel John Clifford made this announcement at Tuesday night's selectmen’s meeting
“We’ve been informed by Counsel from Ms. Hall that she is resigning effective immediately from the board of selectmen that will take place,” the meeting hall erupted in applause from the announcement.
According to the Patriot-Ledger, Hall also she also withdrew her candidacy for the 5th Plymouth District state representative seat now held by Republican David DeCoste of Norwell.
The Board of Selectmen also agreed to release the town hall surveillance video.
Watch Below Surveillance Video From Rockland Town Offices on May 1 - May 2, 2018
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Chiocca, who’s been the Town Administrator since 2008 is on paid administrative leave. Rockland Police Chief John Llewellyn has been as acting Town Administrator.
Chiocca’s future with the town will be discussed at a meeting next week.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ ) reports.