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Mass. Gambling Commission Makes Controversial Hire

BOSTON (AP) — The state gambling commission has hired an interim executive director despite a prior accusation of sexual assault that was eventually dismissed and allegations of conflict of interest.

The Massachusetts Gambling Commission named Carl Stanley McGee to the position in part because of his expertise on the rights of federally recognized Indian tribes.

Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby said the panel was aware that McGee had been accused of assaulting a 15-year-old boy in Florida in 2007 but was comfortable with the hire because charges were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Republican State Rep. Randy Hunt said because McGee has worked for Gov. Deval Patrick, there is a possible conflict of interest. The commission is supposed to be independent.

Crosby said the board determined that McGee had no conflict.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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