Convicted Worker Rehired
Robert Calise was fired in 2002 after being caught stealing from the basement of a home where he'd been sent to read the water meter. It was not the first times items were missing from homes visited by Calise. Our investigation determined Calise was back working for the city in the Public Works Department.
We went to speak with Mr. Calise. However he said he had no comment and the garage doors closed. We told Calise's supervisor we weren't leaving until Calise came out. While we staked out Calise's car, a pickup truck emerged from the garage.
Jack: �You were using your job with the city to go into people�s homes and steal stuff. Should you be working for the city?�
Calise: �No. There are circumstances that people do not know about. Ok. And I do not go into anybody's house. It was a situation that was worked out with the union. Speak to my business manager. It happened. Please. I just don't want to get involved. �
Calise does not go into people's home now as a laborer, but he went into many homes when he worked for the water supply board for five years. Based on complaints from homeowners in 2002, the state police set up a sting in a Cranston house. They placed a Shaquille O'neil basketball card, a watch, and novelty key chains in the basement the police also set up surveillance cameras. They said Calise did not even bother to check the water meter. He rummaged through the basement and left with the planted items. He was arrested outside. Police found more stolen items in his home. Calise pleaded no contest to a larceny charge and was fired. Last September he was rehired by the city.
Jack: �Well, I want to know, do you really think you should be back working for the city given what happened a couple of years ago.�
Calise: Mr. White I have no comment and if there is any questions regarding this matter speak to my district manager Mr. Iannozzi.
Instead we asked the Mayor, who said he was unaware of the situation until we started asking questions.
Mayor Cicilline: �It should be very clear to anybody as far as I�m concerned anybody who steals while they're in city employment does not belong back working for the city�
The mayor has ordered an internal investigation.
Mayor Cicilline: �This information was very disturbing to me. Absolutely. So I�ve taken steps to first of all ascertain all the steps surrounding it and what options are available to the city with respect to this employee.�
One option being looked at is whether Calise can be fired again this time for good.
A spokeswoman for the mayor told us today that Cicilline is actively pursuing this case but does not yet have all the information he needs to determine what if any action he can take.
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