focus of a scathing report from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General

A new report from the Office of the Massachusetts Inspector General is accusing the former town administrator in Norfolk of a leadership failure that wasted taxpayer resources in that community.

Among the findings, the state watchdog also concluded that Justin Casanova-Davis abused vacation time so he could collect a larger payout at the end of his tenure.

Casanova-Davis is no longer in a leadership position in Norfolk, but the details of the report are raising plenty of questions in Bridgewater, where the public official currently works as the town manager.

"I was appalled," said Grace Lawson, a Bridgewater resident of 35 years. "How did he get hired here?"

According to the OIG report, Casanova-Davis failed to supervise Norfolk's DPW director, Blair Crane, to make sure he followed proper purchasing and fiscal management practices. The report said Crane improperly submitted reimbursement requests for personal clothing.

In one example, the report also found Crane ordered the use of DPW resources to deliver dumpsters and truckloads of screened loam to the home of a former Norfolk official in another community.

Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro told the NBC10 Boston Investigators that Casanova-Davis declined to take action with his subordinate, even when other Norfolk employees flagged potential issues with the DPW director.

"I think it's just outrageous," Shapiro said during a Monday interview. "I would say that the oversight for that particular direct report was nonexistent."

The OIG report also documented Casanova-Davis' frequent travel during a stint of nearly three years, including nine international trips and other domestic getaways.

On a couple of occasions, the report found Casanova-Davis even took sick days when he was in Paris and South Africa.

"When asked to explain why he used sick time on these days, Casanova-Davis said he was getting burned out and was sick during this time," the report said. "Further, Casanova-Davis said he did not buy travel insurance for the trip, so he had to go on the trip but did not enjoy it."

Shapiro said along with the questionable use of sick time while abroad, Casanova-Davis stockpiled more vacation time than his contract stipulated. This allowed him to collect a larger payout when he left his position in Norfolk in June 2025. The report estimates that at least $5,000 of the amount he collected was improper.

"The idea that that money went into his pocket is suspect and seems highly inflated," Shapiro said.
Casanova-Davis started as Bridgewater's town manager last July, the same month the OIG launched the investigation in Norfolk after getting a tip about the DPW director.

Since starting his post in Bridgewater, Casanova-Davis and other town leaders have navigated complaints from residents about brown water. In late 2025, supply shortages reached emergency levels.

"It raises a lot of question for this town. It really does," said Kelly Meehan, a resident of 12 years.

A water supply emergency was issued by the Department of Environmental Protection, as Bridgewater officials say they are working to establish a temporary connection to neighboring Middleborough's supply.

Meehan launched a Facebook group last year to keep a spotlight on the water problems.

In the past week, the online conversation has shifted to the town manager and the details in the OIG report. Meehan believes there should be an audit of Casanova-Davis' payroll and time off since he was hired.

According to his contract, Casanova-Davis makes more than $220,000 per year and receives 25 vacation days. He is allowed to roll over up to 15 days each year.

"How do the residents trust what is happening with our money?" Meehan said.

Casanova-Davis has not responded to calls or emails seeking a response to the OIG report. Nobody answered the door when the NBC10 Boston Investigators stopped by his Whitman home on Friday.

NBC10 Boston also reached out to chair and vice chair of the Bridgewater Town Council and has not received a response from either elected official.

However, the Town Council has a special meeting scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. and will convene in executive session to discuss the situation with the town manager.

Among the recommendations in the OIG report is for officials in Norfolk to request a refund from Casanova-Davis for the inflated vacation payout.

Norfolk Town Administrator Rob Garrity told NBC10 Boston the Select Board will be discussing the OIG's letter and recommendations at its next meeting on Aug. 17.

Crane, the former DPW director, resigned from his position last September.

Prior to stepping down, officials in Halifax were poised to hire him as their town administrator. However, Crane withdrew his application in August 2025, which corresponds with the OIG's investigation into his use of town resources and spending decisions.

"I would like to thank the search committee as well as the entire Board of Selectman for their time and consideration," Crane wrote in an email to leaders in Halifax, which NBC10 Boston obtained via public records request. "It has been nothing short of an honor to be considered for this position within your community."