THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 16, 2026 Page 5 Audit Finds Violations of State Regulation, Gaps in Oversight and Emergency Preparedness at Veterans’ Homes at Holyoke and Chelsea Holyoke Veterans’ Home Withholds Documentation from State Auditor’s Office, Raising Concerns Around Transparency and Accountability B OSTON — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s Office released on Wednesday an audit report of the Veterans’ Home at Holyoke, reviewing the period from June 1, 2020, through June 30, 2023, and the Veterans’ Home at Chelsea, reviewing the period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023. The Veterans’ Home at Holyoke is a long-term care facility that provides healthcare services to eligible veterans in the Commonwealth. In spring 2020, at least 76 military veterans who lived at Holyoke died of COVID-19, one of the deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks at a long-term care facility in the country. These deaths prompted multiple investigations, terminations and resignations, regulatory reforms, and lawsuits. The Veterans’ Home at Chelsea is also a nursing facility that provides healthcare services for eligible veterans in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an investigation for the period May 2016 through February 2020. This investigation was based on a complaint that OIG received about the leadership of the superintendent of Holyoke, who was in charge leading up to and during the initial phases of the COVID-19 outbreak in Holyoke. The Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 OIG conducted an investigation and determined that there were issues concerning the oversight and management of Holyoke. The Office of the Governor also commissioned the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery, LLP to conduct an independent study, now known as the Pearlstein Report, which focused on the COVID-19 outbreak that led to the deaths of veterans at Holyoke. The report highlighted errors and failures of leadership that likely contributed to the elevated death toll during the outbreak. The State Auditor’s Office requested access to interview notes and other records that contributed to the development of the Pearlstein Report. Those documents and records were unlawfully withheld. While the State Auditor’s Office was able to examine other issues related to safety, the withholding of requested documentation prevented the office from conducting its audit as intended concerning these matters. Our office is pursuing legal action, specifically litigation, to compel the production of the improperly withheld documents and records connected to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy. Either this was an independent investigation, as was claimed, in which case attorney-client privilege does not apply, or this was legal representation on behalf of the Governor, where Pearlstein was providing legal advice in anticipation of lawsuits. Both can’t be true simultaneously. While our office certainly respects the sanctity of attorneyclient privilege, these records are not protected under attorney-client privilege. Indeed, in AUDIT | SEE Page 7 If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
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