The East Boston Neighborhood Coordinator for Mayor Thomas Menino was charged Thursday in federal court with distributing Oxycontin and marijuana, authorities announced.
John M. Forbes, 31, of East Boston, is charged with one count of distribution of both drugs. If convicted on all charges he faces up to 25 years in prison, said federal officials, who did not provide any further details of the case.
Forbes was immediately suspended and placed on unpaid leave pending a disciplinary hearing, according to Menino.
“I was deeply troubled and disheartened this morning to learn of the arrest and ongoing investigation of one of our employees, John Forbes,” Menino said. “The charges against him are extremely serious and his alleged behavior is completely unacceptable.”
Forbes was arrested at his home late Wednesday night. He is being held pending a detention hearing.
As neighborhood coordinator since 2004, Forbes has been part of a unit of over 20 City Hall workers who act as liaisons between their communities and Menino, handling requests and feedback from constituents.
