News Summary
A North Providence public works employee has been suspended after allegedly replacing a colleague’s drink with windshield washer fluid, leading to hospitalization. The incident raises serious questions about hiring practices within the town’s Department of Public Works. The accused employee, previously known to have a criminal history, is under investigation, and officials stress the need for better oversight in employee vetting processes. Mayor Lombardi and Town Council President Autiello have voiced concerns and called for stricter hiring protocols to prevent future incidents.
North Providence – A public works employee in North Providence has been placed on indefinite unpaid leave following allegations of tampering with a colleague’s drink, resulting in the affected colleague’s hospitalization. The incident raises significant concerns about the town’s hiring practices and overall oversight within the Department of Public Works (DPW).
The accused employee, Alessio Dandrea, allegedly replaced a colleague’s Gatorade with windshield washer fluid, a substance that can cause serious health issues including blindness and even death if ingested. The incident, which took place within the town’s repair division, was reportedly witnessed by several other employees. Dandrea was temporarily working to assist with washing police vehicles due to the closure of the regular car wash location for renovations.
As a result of these allegations, Dandrea is currently under investigation by the human resources department, and the case may be forwarded to local police for further action. As of now, Dandrea has not yet been formally charged with any crime. However, he has a troubling legal history that includes a 2023 arrest related to 27 firearms, including possession of an unregistered silencer and illegal transportation of a machine gun. During that arrest, authorities discovered Nazi paraphernalia and evidence of racist communications.
Mayor Charles Lombardi previously dismissed DPW Deputy Director Robert Harnois in November 2014—merely two days after his hire—following past accusations and a lack of appropriate background checks. Harnois had faced legal issues, such as no contest pleas for leaving the scene of an accident with injuries and domestic simple assault, along with racist remarks made towards subordinates and conducting private business during work hours. After Harnois’s case, Lombardi acknowledged the embarrassment caused by the situation and emphasized the need for improved hiring protocols.
In light of Dandrea’s actions, questions have emerged regarding the thoroughness of his hiring process, particularly the absence of a clear background check protocol as part of the town’s employee vetting. The Town Council President, Dino Autiello, expressed serious concerns over communication and oversight in employee hiring procedures, emphasizing that this incident reflects broader issues of oversight within the town’s administration. As a response, Autiello plans to request documentation related to Dandrea’s hiring to scrutinize the processes involved.
The history of racial issues within the DPW is also noteworthy, highlighted by the firing of custodian Darren Barnes in 2020 for a racist online rant. Mayor Lombardi pointed out that the town may need to implement stricter hiring practices and accountability measures in the future to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
The ongoing investigation into Dandrea’s actions will determine the appropriate course of action moving forward. As the community awaits further developments, the spotlight remains on North Providence’s DPW and its hiring practices, with officials underscoring the importance of ensuring a safe and supportive work environment for all employees.
The incident also takes place against a backdrop of scattered thunderstorms expected this evening with an 80% chance of rain and a low temperature forecasted at 68°F. The weather may coincide with community discussions about safety and accountability, particularly in light of the ongoing investigations.
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Additional Resources
- Valley Breeze
- GoLocal Prov
- North Bay Business Journal
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Employment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
