DPW Director Resigns Amid Drug Scandal at Public Works Department

North Reading, MA - North Reading DPW Director Richard Carnevale has resigned as a drug investigation at the public works department continues, according to Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto.

Carnevale is not implicated in the criminal investigation that has already led to the arrest of one DPW employee, six other employees being placed on administrative leave, and the resignation of two others, according to Gilleberto.

“I am aware of the North Reading Police Department’s drug investigation involving employees at the Department of Public Work," said Gilleberto. "One employee has already been arrested, and he and six others have been placed on administrative leave at this time. Two other DPW employees have resigned in the past two days."

While Carnevale is not implicated in the criminal investigation, in light of the events, Gilleberto said he has accepted the resignation of DPW chief.

“The Town of North Reading is also conducting an external administrative investigation to assist us in determining the extent of this problem and to aid the Town in taking swift and decisive actions going forward," said the town administrator.

This investigation will remain separate from the criminal investigation being conducted by the North Reading Police Department, according to Gilleberto.

“The citizens of North Reading rightly expect to have a functional and trustworthy Department of Public Works, and we are working to ensure just that," he said.

Carnevale is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and was the former head of the Peabody Department of Public Works.