THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

ONE ASHBURTON PLACE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
(617) 727-2200
(617) 727-4765 TTY
www.mass.gov/ago

November 26, 2010

The Honorable Richard R. Tisei The Honorable Bruce E. Tarr

Minority Leader, Massachusetts State Senate Massachusetts State Senate
State House, Room 308 State House, Room 313-A
Boston, MA 02133 Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Michael R. Knapik The Honorable Robert L. Hedlund

Massachusetts State Senate Massachusetts State Senate
State House, Room 419 State House, Room 313-C
Boston, MA 02133 Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Richard J. Ross

Massachusetts State Senate
State House, Room 520
Boston, MA 02133

RE: Report of the Independent Counsel in the Matter of the Probation Department

Dear Minority Leader Tisei, and Senators Tarr, Knapik, Hedlund, and Ross:

Thank you for your letter of Wednesday, November 24, regarding the report issued by the
Independent Counsel that outlined significant abuses in the hiring practices at the Massachusetts
Probation Department.

Your letter rightly states that the report details serious violations of the public trust. The report
outlines a troubling and extensive scheme which lessened public confidence in the process of selecting
probation officers and compromised public safety.

Our office has already begun an investigation to determine the scope of the violations of state
law. We are thoroughly reviewing the documents contained in Mr. Ware’s report. We have taken steps to
ensure that evidence is preserved. We have been in contact with the Office of the United States Attorney,
and my office is tasking a team of prosecutors and investigators who will aggressively pursue this matter.

We anticipate and look forward to your cooperation and suggestions moving forward.

Cordially,

Martha Coakley
Massachusetts Attorney General