Warwick Changes Its Story in Response to Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Warwick Changes Its Story in Response to Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

The City of Warwick, after denying a number of sexual harassment claims by a former employee in a federal lawsuit, has reversed course and now admitted to some of her allegations. 

As GoLocal first reported in June, former Warwick Water Division employee Bree Boulais filed a 50-page federal lawsuit alleging she was sexually harassed during her time at the city department — and that, despite reporting the incidents, she was subject to continued harassment, including by Director Terry DiPetrillo. 

READ: “Boys Club” —  Former Warwick Water Employee Alleges Sexual Harassment in Federal Lawsuit

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Boulais alleges the harassment became so severe that she needed to seek mental health treatment and that she was deprived of her Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rights before ultimately resigning. 

Following the filing of the federal lawsuit, Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi announced he was returning DiPetrillo’s donations. 

DiPetrillo took one month of paid sick leave in the summer, followed by a second. 

In August, lawyers for the defendants, who are the City of Warwick, the Warwick Water Division, and Picozzi, backed DiPetrillo and the division, denying the majority of Boulais' claims. 

The city is being represented by Marc and Jeffrey DeSisto of DeSisto Law. 

Now, the same lawyers for the City of Warwick have admitted to a number of Boulais' claims that they initially denied. 

GoLocal has obtained screengrabs of communications that allegedly show Boulais' communications with key individuals that the city first refuted, and have now admitted as evidence in the lawsuit.  

 

Flip-Flopping

In her lawsuit, Boulais says on March 11, 2022, Jason Parmelee, the City Controller of finances for the City of Warwick, came to the Water Division for a meeting, at which time he said hello to her before going into a meeting with other individuals. 

“At approximately 2:00 pm that day [Boulais] received an email from Parmelee after he had left the offices,” alleges the lawsuit. “The email from Parmelee stated, 'Hey there. I was just over there…I don’t think I ever realized how attractive you are. Super cute…well, have a great weekend haha!'"

The City of Warwick in its initial answer to the complaint acknowledged Boulais received that email, but denied that she responded. 

Now, the city has admitted that Boulais did in fact send the following response to Parmalee. 

“I gave no indication to you when you were here that sending me an e-mail like this, especially through a work e-mail, was acceptable. I find your comments extremely inappropriate, as well as, unprofessional. Moving forward this will not be tolerated,” wrote Boulais.

The city still denies however Boulais’ claim that reported the email sent by Parmalee to DiPetrillo and her Manager, Michael St. Pierre. 

 

“Stunning” Email From Director

In her complaint; Boulais said that on March 14, 2022, "After she reported the sexual harassment," she received an email from DiPetrillo saying “You look stunning.”

In its first response to the complaint, the city denied that an email was in fact sent by DePetrillo, 

Now, the city has admitted to Boulais’ allegation as to the veracity of the email, but still maintain Boulais had not reported Parmalee's email after he sent it to her. 

Similarly, the city initially denied a claim by Boulais that on April 28, 2023, St. Pierre sent a text saying he had developed feelings for her.

Now, the city flip-flopped again in the amended complaint, and admitted to that allegation Boulais had originally maintained. 

"I cannot comment on pending litigation," said Paige Munro-Delotto, attorney for Boulais.

Attorneys for the City of Warwick did not respond to requests for comment.