City Tourism Chief on Paid Leave Following Indictment

Boston, MA - Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said he's "deeply concerned," following his administration's tourism chief's indictment Thursday on accusations of wielding the office's influence to pressure companies into using union workers.

Walsh's office said the head of that office, Kennethh Brissette, has been placed on paid administrative leave, following his arrest Thursday morning.

• Read the full story: City Official Arrested, Charged with Union-Related Extortion
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Walsh said in a statement:

"I am deeply concerned about today's news. Everyone who knows Ken knows him to be a good and hardworking person. We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office to get to the bottom of this. Everyone in my administration should know that there is only one way to do things and that is the right way."

A review ordered by the mayor and conducted by city attorney Brian Kelly found "no city employee was involved in any illegal action" regarding allegations over the "Top Chef" reality TV show, a statement from the mayor's press office said.

However, the DOJ found Brissette was involved, according to a federal grand jury indictment unsealed Thursday.

A review by the same attorney of the city's interactions with the Boston Calling music festival, which is at the heart of the charges against Brissette, is ongoing. Additionally, the press statement said, Kelly is conducting a comprehensive review of the Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment headed by Brissette, "to ensure that the proper policies and procedures are in place."

Kelly was the federal prosecutor in the case against Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger, and now works for local firm Nixon Peabody LLP.

>> Photo credit U.S. Department of the Interior via Flickr/Creative Commons