News Summary
A former employee of North Providence has accused Mayor Charles Lombardi and Public Buildings Director Jim Fuoroli of directing him to perform personal work on town time using municipal resources. The lawsuit, filed in Providence Superior Court, details how the plaintiff was allegedly pressured to conduct renovations at the mayor’s properties during work hours. The claims raise significant questions about accountability and transparency within local government, as well as the treatment of employees who report misconduct.
North Providence – A former employee of the town of North Providence has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Charles Lombardi and Public Buildings Director Jim Fuoroli, alleging that the mayor directed him to perform personal work on town time using municipal resources. The lawsuit was submitted to Providence Superior Court on June 10, 2025, and follows a previous notice of intent to sue that was sent in December 2024.
Michael Charbatji claims that during his tenure, he was instructed to use town vehicles and materials—specifically items purchased with a town-issued Lowe’s credit card—to carry out renovations and projects at Lombardi’s personal properties, including his summer home and rental units. Charbatji asserts that this work occurred during his scheduled work hours and that Fuoroli allegedly assisted him by falsifying his time records to cover up the delays caused by these tasks.
The lawsuit details specific incidents where Charbatji was allegedly directed to procure materials for Lombardi’s properties while on duty. Charbatji insists he was pressured to comply with these demands under the threat of job termination if he did not proceed with the requested work. He cites ongoing stress and concerns about engaging in illegal activities as contributing factors to his declining health.
In 2022, Charbatji’s health deteriorated, culminating in chest pains he attributes to the stress of his situation, leading him to take medical leave. Following this leave, he was terminated from his position on November 18, 2022, for what the town described as “unauthorized and unexcused leave.” Additionally, Charbatji alleges that after he filed his notice of intent to sue, he was followed by a private investigator, whom he claims was hired to intimidate him.
In the lawsuit, Charbatji seeks reinstatement to his position, monetary damages, and claims violations of the state’s whistleblower law, along with intentional infliction of emotional distress. His accusations have ignited discussions within the North Providence council, emphasizing the need for accountability and the importance of transparency in local government dealings.
Mayor Lombardi has publicly responded to these allegations, suggesting there are undisclosed details surrounding Charbatji’s claims and labeling him as a disgruntled former employee who is pursuing a financial gain. Other members of the town council have acknowledged the seriousness of the lawsuit, yet they maintain the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” Council President Dino Autiello expressed disappointment over the re-emergence of these accusations, stressing the need for accountable conduct from town officials.
Supporting Charbatji’s claims, invoices obtained from the town substantiate some of the reported purchases made on the town credit card for materials that were allegedly used in renovations on Lombardi’s personal properties. Charbatji began working for the town in 2017 after being recruited by Lombardi, having previously been a private contractor.
The situation surrounding this lawsuit remains fluid as further legal proceedings unfold. The allegations have prompted a broader discussion on the ethical obligations of public officials and the treatment of employees who report misconduct. As the case develops, stakeholders from across the community are closely monitoring the legal outcomes and its implications for local governance.
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Additional Resources
- Valley Breeze
- WPRI
- Turn to 10
- Providence Journal
- Providence Business News
- Wikipedia: North Providence
- Google Search: North Providence Mayor Lombardi lawsuit
