Ethics Commission to Investigate Hopkins Over Complaint Alleging Nepotism
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
The hiring and promotion of Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins’s son-in-law at a city job will now be the subject of a Rhode Island Ethics Commission investigation.
The Commission voted to look into the complaint filed by John Psilopoulos, a former aide to former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, regarding the hiring and promotion of Hopkins’ son-in-law Jacob Shackleford at the Cranston Fire Department.
Fung’s wife, Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, is running against Hopkins in the GOP primary for Mayor.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Today's action by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission was not unexpected. Complaints, regardless of their motive or the substance of their allegations do not need to meet a high threshold for some level of evaluation by the staff and Ethics Commission,” said Hopkins. “I reiterate again that as it relates to my son-in-law, I had no direct role in his hiring or promotion within the Cranston Fire Department. The facts will bear that out as this matter proceeds.”
“Out of respect to the process and the Rhode Island Ethics Commission I will reserve any further comment at this time,” said Hopkins. “My legal counsel has made a preliminary response to the specific allegations filed by Mr. Psilopolous, a registered Democrat and known supporter of my political opponent.”
Fenton-Fung issued the following statement on Tuesday.
"With the launching of a formal investigation of Mayor Hopkins over the serious complaints of nepotism lodged against him, the RI Ethics Commission sent a strong statement to public officials that everyone must be held to the same standard.
What’s disheartening as the ethics investigation is launched is the Hopkins team continues with their ethical lapses and flaunting of the rules that ensure public trust. This past weekend the Hopkins team put out a fundraiser invite that utilized the official Cranston City Seal on it - blurring the ethical lines of official government roles and political fundraising. This is a blatant violation of our City Charter.
This team just doesn't get it, but Cranston residents certainly do, and they're ready for a new era in City Hall."
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