Boston employee accused of dealing drugs

BOSTON -- Federal agents arrested a Boston city worker on drug charges, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

John Forbes, 31, of East Boston has been indicted on one count of distribution of Oxycontin and one count of distribution of marijuana. He is a neighborhood coordinator for the City of Boston. His duties include being a liaison between East Boston officials and City Hall.

Mayor Thomas Menino says he is deeply troubled and disheartened by the arrest. In a statement, the mayor said, “I was deeply troubled and disheartened this morning to learn of the arrest and ongoing investigation of one of our employees, John Forbes. The charges against him are extremely serious and his alleged behavior is completely unacceptable.”

One local resident was disappointed to hear about the charges.

"People need to think what they're doing, because like I said, little kids look up to people. That person's a spokesman, and it's not a good example," said East Boston resident Mark Weiss.

Forbes has been employed by the city since March 2004.

He has been suspended and placed on unpaid administrative leave. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years behind bars.

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