Date: 06/30/1999 Page: B3
Section: Metro
Author: By Michael Crowley, Globe Correspondent
Reilly aides confirmed that the two workers were suspended, but would not disclose their names or specific job descriptions. But sources said the two men are investigators in the attorney general's Fair Labor and Business Practices division, which enforces the state's minimum wage and prevailing wage laws.
The allegations of wrongdoing appeared limited to the two men, who are believed to have stolen two checks mailed to Reilly's office. The checks were sent by employers required to compensate workers who had filed wage grievances with the attorney general.
Of the two checks confirmed missing, one was in the amount of $566, the other $179, said first assistant attorney general Dean Richlin. Sources could not rule out the possibility that other checks may have been stolen, however.
The checks were discovered missing on June 16, Richlin said. State Police were notified, and the employees were suspended on June 18. The men were not arrested, and have not been charged.
The attorney general is typically responsible for probing wrongdoing in state government, but because this case involves his employees, the investigation has been turned over to the Suffolk district attorney's office.