THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023 Page 7 Carlo DeMaria, Jr. vs. Everett Leader Herald, Sergio Cornelio, Joshua Resnek, Matthew Philbin and Andrew Philbin, Sr. Sinking Fast: The Implosion of Matthew Philbin; Leader Herald Owner Admits to Actual Malice By James Mitchell (Editor’s Note: This article ran in the January 27, 2023 edition of the Everett Advocate) Yup, that’s a question After months of delaying the inevitable, Everett Leader Herald owner Matthew Philbin met with attorneys for Mayor Carlo DeMaria on January 18, 2023, at the Boston law offi ces of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP to provide his long-awaited testimony in the ongoing lawsuit. Philbin, accompanied by his attorney Kevin Polansky, answered questions provided by Atty. Jeff rey Robbins, the lead attorney in the lawsuit, which began back in 2022. Philbin’s combative demeanor presented itself immediately when he was asked about his ownership of Dorchester Publications, the corporate owner of the Everett Leader Herald newspaper. “You have been the sole owner of Dorchester Publications since 2017?” asked Robbins. “Is that a question?” replied Philbin. “It is,” stated the attorney. “Yes.” said Philbin. Philbin stated he purchased the newspaper for approximately “$100-150,000” and testifi ed that his Publisher, Joshua Resnek, controlled the day-to-day operations of the corporation. Asked to clarify if he controlled the corporate affairs – the finances of the company – Philbin asked if the attorney could be more specifi c. “No, I can’t,” replied Atty. Robbins, asking Philbin if he understood the meaning of “fi nancial aff airs.” “No, that’s why I’m asking you to be more specifi c, please,” snapped Philbin. Philbin claimed that Resnek and Mary Schovanec, the office manager, were the ones who signed the checks, saying he didn’t know if he was the signatory to the bank account for Dorchester Publications. Now You Tell Me Robbins then asked if he was the sole authority in the hiring and fi ring of Resnek, saying the corrupt reporter was never an employee of the company, but an independent contractor who was paid through Resnek’s company, Chelsea Press, LLC. “And you compensate Mr. Resnek not via payroll, but by making a payment to an entity that he owns; correct?” “Yes, replied Philbin. “That’s the way he wanted it.” Robbins asked if he [Philbin] no longer wanted Resnek to be the editor and publisher, could he make that happen; Philbin stated that the statement “was fair to say.” Now I Remember Robbins’ attention turned to the frequency of emails and texts between Philbin and his publisher, asking him about the drafts and articles he receives from Resnek each week prior to the newspaper’s publication. When asked to confi rm his role RevereTV Spotlight T his month’s Human Rights Commission Meeting included a guest, Massachusetts State Senator Lydia Edwards. Senator Edwards was present to talk about Black History Month but regretted not attending any of these meetings before. She discussed the recognition of Black history as part of American history and normalized protocols that are rooted in racism and present in our community, and she mentioned the importance of the Human Rights Commission to the City of Revere. There is much more to this meeting as well. Watch the Human Rights Commission meeting and all other government meetings throughout the next few weeks on RTV GOV or at your convenience on YouTube. Senator Edwards continued her appearances on RevereTV by leading an episode of “What’s Cooking, Revere?” She was in the kitchen studio last Friday, and this new episode will be premiering next week! Watch all new episodes of RTV’s cooking shows on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. These programs replay in the weeks following the premieres and can also be found on the RevereTV YouTube page. Be sure to tune in to the RTV Community Channel on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. to get the fi rst look at each episode. Episodes will be of “Cooking Made Simple,” “Cooking with the Keefe’s,” “What’s Cooking, Revere?” and “Fabulous Foods with Victoria Fabbo.” REVERETV | SEE Page 15 Everett, MA 617-202-8259 as the fi nal approval to the articles and complete draft of the weekly editions, Philbin stated that it was incorrect – until he was asked about the evidence that had been presented in previous witness testimony. “Have you reviewed any of the e-mails that have been produced in this case, sir?” asked Atty. Robbins. “Yes,” replied Philbin. Philbin then testifi ed that he did indeed receive drafts of articles before they were published every week as well as the newspaper before it was published – a procedure he agrees he’s had in place with Resnek for years. The questions then turned to his employees: the offi ce manager and part-timer Mary Schovanec, Jim Mahoney, the former layout person and photographer, and sports reporter Lorenzo Recupero. Philbin stated that he could not identify any reporter who worked for the newspaper from 2018 to 2020. What’s the Truth Got To Do With It? Robbins asked him if he ever reprimanded or disciplined Resnek, or ever instructed him to issue an apology, a clarifi cation or retraction of any kind – Philbin said he did not. Philbin also claimed that he never spoke to Resnek about the case nor read any deposition transcript that Resnek gave under oath. Philbin claimed he had not – only what he read in this newspaper. “You’ve seen in the local newspapers that Mr. Resnek has stated that he fabricated articles about Mr. DeMaria; correct?” asked the attorney. “I think that’s what was put in LAW | SEE Page 13 * We work with most Fuel Assistance programs “We’re accepting new customers, no experience necessary” “Aceptamos Nuevos clientes no se necesita experiencia.” ~ Hablamos Española ~ 50 Gallon Minimum (Surcharge Applys) Major Credit Cards Accepted Scan our QR Code AUTOTECH $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! GET YOUR VEHICLE SPRING READY! Our Spring Service includes: • Complete Safety Check • AC Check • Engine Light Check • Suspension Check with Oil Change Special Only $79.95 2012 SMART CAR CABRIOLET Convertible, Excellent Condition, Deluxe Package, Heated Seats, Most Power Options, Clean Title, Only 81K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $9,900 Easy Financing Available! (Most vehicles. Restrictions apply) 2013 KIA SOUL Loaded with Power Options, Sun Roof, Heated Seats, Remote Starter, Clean Title, Only 86K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $8,995 (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com Vehicle! ~ Business For Sale ~ North of Boston...Well established and in good standing this immaculate Pilates Studio offers topof-the-line equipment (a complete list available), numerous clients, mirrored walls, over 950 sq ft of perfectly laid out space, currently open 7 your schedule to make this a perfect investment! Owner willing to train, if necessary. Don’t miss this wonderfully, affordable business opportunity to work for yourself and make this your own! View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. We Pay Cash For Your
8 Publizr Home