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February 28, 2012

Trial of former hospital exec set for May

By Julie Manganis Staff writer

BEVERLY — A former Beverly Hospital executive charged with soliciting bribes and kickbacks from contractors on a $55 million hospital renovation is now set to stand trial May 14.

Paul Galzerano, 59, formerly of Groveland, is facing bribery and larceny charges in connection with the alleged scheme, in which three contractors who sought to work on the project were forced to engage in a pay-to-play arrangement.

All three of those contractors have admitted to their roles in the scheme, including one who did extensive work at Galzerano's former Groveland home and another who submitted phony invoices to cover what prosecutors allege were Galzerano's own personal expenses. Prosecutors said Galzerano received cash and services worth around $500,000.

Galzerano is also accused of taking valuable antiques, including a grandfather clock and a painting, that were supposed to have been moved into storage during the renovation but wound up in Galzerano's home, according to prosecutors in Attorney General Martha Coakley's office.

The case has been delayed several times at the request of Galzerano's attorney, Scott Gleason, who in November suggested to a judge he underestimated the length of the trial and had already booked vacation time.

The case was postponed to February, then delayed again. Yesterday, the two sides agreed on a new trial date of May 14.

A final pretrial conference is scheduled for April 27.

Galzerano, who has been free on bail, appeared in court yesterday but was not required to address the judge.

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