Auditor faulted for hiring jobless cousin

Outgoing Auditor Joe DeNucci, whose duty is to root out waste, fraud and corruption in state government, was charged Thursday with violating the Massachusetts conflict of interest law by clearing the way for his first cousin to be hired into an agency job for which he appeared unqualified.

The State Ethics Commission, in an "order to show cause" akin to an indictment, said DeNucci ordered subordinates to interview Gaetano "Buster" Spezzano. It also said Spezzano did not complete a two-page job application, leaving blank a second page in which the former band leader and saxophone player was supposed to detail previous work experience. Then, the commission alleges, a deputy order recommend Spezzano for a fraud inspector's job that DeNucci ultimately offered him - even though there was no such job opening at the time.

Spezzano went on sick leave after about 20 months into the job. His employment ended in April, after he exhausted his sick leave and following a story about the hiring in the Boston Herald.  "The conflict of interest law prohibits a state employee from, knowingly, or with reason to know, using or attempting to use his official position to secure for himself or others unwarranted privileges or exemptions which are of substantial value and which are not properly available to similarly situated individuals," the commission said in its charging document.

DeNucci has 21 days to respond, and a hearing must be scheduled within 90 days. DeNucci will leave office in January, after deciding not to seek re-election following 24 years as auditor. There are three fellow Democrats and two Republicans vying to succeed him.  In a statement, DeNucci said: "I am extremely proud of the work of the state auditor's Office. Every day, the quality of our work speaks for itself and improves the operations of state government." Yet in an interview with The Associated Press in February, DeNucci did not dispute giving Spezzano favorable treatment.

He said Spezzano, the son of his mother's sister, went through the standard application and review process, though DeNucci did not try to conceal he wanted him hired.  "Guy was a little special to me," said DeNucci. "I know he was in trouble. He didn't have a job. I gave him the most entry-level position."

He noted Spezzano had a college degree, adding: "He was a teacher for many years. He worked in sales. He's good with numbers."  Ethics cases are assigned to a member of the commission, who conducts the required civil hearing. Then the entire five-member panel meets to determine any violation.

If DeNucci is found to have violated the conflict of interest law, he could face up two $4,000 in fines - $2,000 each for the two charges he faces.