HOLYOKE, Mass. — 25 Investigates has learned Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Urena has resigned from his position, effective immediately.
Urena had remained largely out of the spotlight since the deadly outbreak of the novel coronavirus killed 76 veteran residents of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, one of the biggest hotspots for the virus in the state.
But Urena was implicated by ousted soldiers’ home administrator Bennet Walsh, who alleges he alerted Urena and other state officials to the outbreak several days before the state responded.
On April 1st, Governor Charlie Baker brought in a former federal prosecutor to investigate the home’s response to the outbreak.
Sources say they expect the Governor’s report to be released as soon as tomorrow.
25 Investigates has reached out to the Baker Administration about this development but has not yet heard back.
No further details were made immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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