Baker, DeLeo don’t seek resignation
Gov. Charlie Baker and House Speaker Robert DeLeo did not call for state Rep. David Nangle to lose his six-figure post at the State House, instead labeling the charges against the Lowell Democrat “serious” and “troubling.”
“They’re serious charges and I anticipate that they will be fully investigated by the U.S. Attorney,” Baker said.
DeLeo said in a statement: “The allegations against Representative Nangle are serious and troubling and, if true, represent a significant betrayal of the public trust. I was shocked and disappointed to learn of his indictment this morning.”
Nangle, 59, is one of DeLeo’s top lieutenants who also serves on the House Ethics Committee. Those posts pushed his pay to $114,900 last year.
He was arrested at his home Tuesday by FBI and IRS agents on 28 federal charges of using campaign funds to pay for personal expenses and gambling debts, defrauding his bank lender and collecting income that he failed to report to the IRS.
DeLeo said he never saw it coming.
“Representative Nangle has been a friend and colleague for over 20 years. Never once during that time did I have an inkling that he had a gambling problem, much less a gambling problem as extensive as what has been reported today,” DeLeo said Tuesday.
The speaker added he was aware of the federal probe, though.
“I can confirm that the House of Representatives received a federal grand jury subpoena from the United States Attorney requesting certain records relating to the federal grand jury investigation, which we now know resulted in today’s indictment,” DeLeo said. “The House of Representatives cooperated fully with this subpoena and will continue to cooperate fully with the United States Attorney’s investigation.”
DeLeo, citing a gag order from federal prosecutors, said he could not comment further.
“The United States Attorney’s Office has requested that the House of Representatives refrain from discussing the details of its investigation, and, as such, I cannot provide any additional comment. Any additional questions on the indictment should be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office,” DeLeo said.
“It’s very sad news,” former state Sen. Steve Panagiotakos said. “He’s a friend.”
Panagiotakos and Nangle’s friendship goes back to their childhood in Lowell and extended to the State House, where Nangle worked for Panagiotakos as an aide. A Lowell Democrat, Nangle has represented parts of Lowell and Chelmsford for about 20 years. He is also a division chair in House Speaker Robert DeLeo’s leadership team.
“I’ve known him to be there to help people in need and people who are down on their luck — that’s him,” Panagiotakos said.