Appeals Court Reverses Decision In Boston Calling Scandal

BOSTON — An appeals court on Thursday reversed a district court's decision that led to the dismissal of the case against Kenneth Brissette and Timothy Sullivan, the Boston City Hall workers accused of extortion surrounding the setup of the Boston Calling music festival. Brissette and Sullivan could now face a trial in the case. They were accused of pressuring the company behind the festival into hiring union employees.

According to a 2016 indictment, Sullivan and Brisette also withheld certain permits and approvals until the festival production company hired a handful of IATSE Locall 11 employees.

An appeal filed last year argued that the judge misinterpreted federal extortion laws. Brissette was the city’s tourism chief, while Timothy Sullivan was head of intergovernmental affairs. Both worked under Mayor Marty Walsh, who denied any involvement.

RELATED:

• Boston Calling 2019: Lineup, Tickets For 10th Annual Festival
• City Officials Arraigned on Extortion, Conspiracy Charges (2016)
• Second City Official Facing Extortion Charges (2016)