RISP investigating Warwick School Department contracts with moving company
WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island State Police are now investigating after Warwick schools were accused of awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars to a moving company that’s owned by a relative of someone in the school department.
It’s unclear who within the school district has relation to the owner of the moving company, Jada Trucking.
Mayor Frank Picozzi said the contracts were given out without going out to bid, which is against the law.
The company is also accused of not having the proper licenses to perform the project of moving two of the elementary schools while work was being done there.
Mayor Picozzi met with the school administration and said it hired an outside group to look into the situation, in addition to Rhode Island State Police investigation.
A statement from Chairman Shaun Galligan of the Warwick School Committee said:
“Warwick Public Schools has engaged an outside investigator who has begun to thoroughly review any and all purchasing actions related to the questions raised. This important investigatory process will determine whether or not those responsible for our daily facilities management have followed all applicable purchasing laws and regulations. Until our investigation is complete, the Superintendent of Schools is instituting additional, temporary purchasing guardrails, including a new requirement that all purchasing actions must be personally vetted and approved by both the Superintendent and our Assistant Superintendent. Once our thorough investigation is complete, the School Committee and Superintendent will take any important actions needed relative to personnel and procedures.”
“I was concerned and surprised, we still have to have the investigations conclude before we get all the answers,” said Picozzi. “Apparently they didn’t follow proper procedures. I don’t expect any corruption or anything nefarious, state police will evaluate that.”
Rhode Island State Police confirmed that their financial crimes unit is investigating.
ABC 6 News reached out to Jada Trucking and have not yet heard back.
