Woonsocket City Council calls for further investigations into former mayor’s secret land deal

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Woonsocket City Council members are calling for further investigations following the release of a lengthy report detailing an investigation into the former Woonsocket mayor’s secret $1.13 million land deal on Mendon Road.

The report, completed by hired attorney Aaron Weisman, supports the city council’s allegations that former Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt kept the purchase, which used federal dollars, from members of the council.

During Monday night’s city council meeting, the board voted to accept that report.

City Council President John Ward said he believes the situation is a criminal matter that needs to be looked into further.

“In my personal opinion, I believe the U.S. Attorney needs to investigate it and the HUD Office of the Inspector General because it involved what I consider to be obtaining those federal funds under false pretenses, under fraud because there was no documentation to support anything associated with the values on it,” said Ward.

“I will be comfortable when I can get back to the day-to-day operations of making the city a good place to live, work, and eat so if the report continues it continues, I don’t have control over that,” said Mayor Christopher Beauchamp.

No decision was made tonight regarding what’s next in the investigation.